S)"10 Now it came about on the next day that an evil spirit from God came mightily upon Saul, and he raved in the midst of the house, while David was playing the harp with his hand, as usual; and a spear was in Saul’s hand."
1 Samuel 18:10 (NASB)
O) This is one of the scariest verses in the Bible, to think that an evil spirit would come from God upon some one. It's important to remember the literary context, though. In a lot of old Jewish writings, the words used are almost as a matter of literal semantics. To say that God hated Esau is to simply say that He wasn't actively loving him (as in the same contrast of blessings and curses). So, to say that God allowed an evil spirit to come mightily upon Saul, would be in less words, to say that God sent it. But, whether it was passive or active, it's also important to remember that Saul had relinquished the Spirit of God with his arrogant actions. But none of this is a new concept to me, and so it was something else stood out today. It says this happend while David was playing "as usual;" but this isn't the first time that Saul was grieved by an evil spirit (1 Samuel 16:23). It was, however, the first time that David's playing was not able to sooth Saul.
A) This is another example for me to remember, that my success is not dependent on my own skills or abilities. Also, the fight I have is not flesh and blood. There are spiritual implications, and spiritual complications, to every conflict. My ability to maintain relationships, find favor in the eyes of others, minister to others, and lead and raise my family - all of these are spiritualy founded. So, I need to be sure that I am not only addressing physical demands, but doing the spiritual work as well. It's not enough that I am supplying dinner for my family if I'm not also giving them spiritual food. If I want promotion at work, it's not enough to do a good job, I need to pray for favor with my bosses. It's not enough for me to do the physical things for my wife, I need to be praying for her, encouraging her spiritual growth, worshiping with her, etc.
P) Father, You've blessed me in more ways than I can count. Your grace is truly amazing and that's nowhere more apparent to me than in my marriage and I am so thankful for that, Father. I want to honor You for all of the favor I have in Your sight. So, Holy Spirit, open my eyes to the spiritual world around me so that I can see the things that really matter. Lead me to focus my efforts on the things unseen so that I am addressing the causes and not the symptoms. Increase my discernment. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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