Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: 1 Samuel 19 and Psalm 65

After Jonathan convinced his father, Saul, not to seek David’s death, evil envy eventually reared its ugly head again. Having survived yet another attempt by Saul to assassinate him, David fled to the prophet Samuel in Ramah. One can imagine the many questions David must have had for the prophet. God had anointed him as king, and this murderous opposition made no sense.

When Saul’s men tracked David down to Ramah, intent on capturing him, they found the community in the middle of a worship meeting. Samuel and his “prophetic students” were waiting on the LORD, worshipping the LORD, speaking to the LORD and hearing from Him. The Hebrew word translated here as “prophesying” conveys the idea of speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. They were giving spontaneous and Spirit-inspired praise to God. The presence of the Holy Spirit in His people’s praises was so powerful that the soldiers could not help themselves – they joined in. This happened over and over again. Thrice Saul sent messengers, and thrice they joined in the prophetic worship, rather than carrying out Saul’s evil mission.

Frustrated, Saul went himself. While he was still on his way, the Holy Spirit came upon Saul and he prophesied. But when he got to Naioth in Ramah, where Samuel was, the infuence of the Spirit was so powerful that Saul stripped off his royal robes and prostrated himself in humility before the Lord for that day and a night. What a glorious encounter! (P.S. the word translated “naked” can be understood to mean that he stripped right down to his undergarments, rather than to nothing)

What can we take from this account for today? I suggest we see the power of Spirit-led praise at work. When we face trails or difficulties today, let us turn to the Lord in praise, seek the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, and trust that He can paralyse the enemies that assail us.

Lord, inspire us by Your Spirit to be a people of praise and worship, even as we go about our everyday lives and work. And may the power of Your presence accompany us wherever we go, defeating evil at every turn! Amen.