Worship: Saul’s Spirit of Torment
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Hello Ladies, one of the greatest blessings and surprises my family has received since we started attending 3W church, a little over a year ago has been the praise and worship songs. I feel like I have been living under a rock musically. These “new to me” songs of praise and worship have done so much to draw my family closer to God, it has been an answered prayer. K-love is now a set on the dial, as well as the alarm clock. I have even asked some to share their playlists with me. It’s amazing how a simple playlist of songs can encourage and calm when we are facing challenges.
In line with this, I wanted to share from a passage in 1 Samuel 16:14-23.
The context is that the Lord has rejected Saul from being king and Samuel has just anointed a young David as the future king of Israel. This is right before the battle with Goliath. We know that when David was anointed, “the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward…” vs. 13. In the very next verse, we see that “the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul and a harmful Spirit form the Lord tormented him.”
There is speculation about this Spirit that tormented Saul, it may have been depression, anxiety, condemnation, whatever it was, we know it affected him greatly. it made him a little crazy, deficient in his capabilities, we could say that Saul was not “feeling like himself” when this spirit would come upon him. One of his servants suggested that when this happens, Saul should hear some music and that would make him feel better. And it just so happens that they knew of a young lad named David who was skilled in playing the lyre and the Lord was with him. Saul summoned Jesse to please send David to him and it was so. (This was a providential positioning from God himself for the future king of Israel, but that’s another story). Verse 23 says “And whenever the harmful spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the harmful spirit departed from him.”
First, notice that when the Spirit of the Lord left is when the harmful spirit started to torment him. I recall the verse in Isaiah 26:3 that says, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
What emotions can take over when circumstances take our minds away from God’s truth, promises and faithfulness?
Secondly, the spirit manifested itself in a way that was observable by his servants.
How does our behavior change when we are feeling these emotions? How can your friends and family tell that you are not “yourself?”
Thirdly, when this spirit tormented Saul, he was not alone. David was sent to play his lyre and be a form of “support” until the torment subsided. We read in verse 23 “And whenever the harmful spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the harmful spirit departed from him.”
We read in Ephesians 5:19 that Paul instructed them to “Talk with each other much about the Lord, quoting psalms and hymns and singing sacred songs, making music in your hearts to the Lord. 20 Always give thanks for everything to our God and Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
In a similar fashion, we should also encourage one another with testimonies, verses and sharing of playlists to refresh each other from our own spirits of torment. When we are feeling anxious, depressed or angry breaking out into song may not be what we feel like doing but listening to music certainly can affect our moods (for better or for worse.) Many times, in scripture, we see singing as praise to God in response for his faithfulness, expressions of gratitude and even on the front lines of a battle.
What are your “go-to” songs and verses in times of inner turmoil?
During these current uncertain times I have found comfort listening to Sovereign by Chris Tomlin. When I feel embarrassed to come to God this song always draws me close to him. So l encourage you to lift your voices and sing! WORSHIP is the answer. When we are beside ourselves with worry or anxiety, or there is conflict in the air, the answer is worship. Blast the music and sing to the Lord.
The Lord is my strength and shield.I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. Psalm 28:7
Everything on earth will worship you; they will sing your praises, shouting your name in glorious songs.” Psalm 66:4
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I lift my voice to give you praise and honor and thanksgiving for your loving kindness towards us, your faithfulness and protection. Receive the song of my heart in worship to you. You are sovereign and nothing happens that does not pass through your hands. I pray that when I am feeling emotions that take my focus off you, bring to my mind a song I can sing. A song I can direct to you, that like David’s harp will make me feel refreshed and well. In Jesus’ name. Amen.