spiritual battle, Spirit Sent to Terrorize (1 Sam.16)

I find it interesting that Samuel struggled with the fact that God had rejected Saul as king over Israel.  As well, he struggled with the fact that if Saul found out what he was doing, his life would be in danger...

(1 Samuel 16:1-3)  Now the Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have selected a king for Myself among his sons.” 2 But Samuel said, “How can I go? When Saul hears of it, he will kill me.” And the Lord said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ 3 You shall invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for Me the one whom I designate to you.”

Then, Samuel struggled a bit over the fact that the next king would not be strikingly tall as Saul was;  but as God said, He was choosing someone because of their heart, and not because of their looks...

(1 Samuel 16:10-13)  Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these.” 11 And Samuel said to Jesse, “Are these all the children?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, and behold, he is tending the sheep.” Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.”

12 So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is he.” 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. And Samuel arose and went to Ramah.

While God sent the Holy Spirit upon David, He allowed an evil spirit to terrorize Saul.  We don't understand all the reasons for this, but because this happened, David was brought into the palace and he became Saul's right-hand-man...

(1 Samuel 16:14-23)  Now the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord terrorized him. 15 Saul’s servants then said to him, “Behold now, an evil spirit from God is terrorizing you. 16 Let our lord now command your servants who are before you. Let them seek a man who is a skillful player on the harp; and it shall come about when the evil spirit from God is on you, that he shall play the harp with his hand, and you will be well.” 17 So Saul said to his servants, “Provide for me now a man who can play well and bring him to me.” 18 Then one of the young men said, “Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite who is a skillful musician, a mighty man of valor, a warrior, one prudent in speech, and a handsome man; and the Lord is with him.” 19 So Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me your son David who is with the flock.” 20 Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread and a jug of wine and a young goat, and sent them to Saul by David his son. 21 Then David came to Saul and attended him; and Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armor bearer. 22 Saul sent to Jesse, saying, “Let David now stand before me, for he has found favor in my sight.” 23 So it came about whenever the evil spirit from God came to Saul, David would take the harp and play it with his hand; and Saul would be refreshed and be well, and the evil spirit would depart from him.

From this we see:
- God has dominion over both angels and demons
- before the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit's presence was selective and temporary, whereas in the Church Age, He permanently indwells all believers
- God's presence brings peace
- demons terrorize

Personal experience:  I was a young adult, when I found myself at a house warming party for one of my peers.  I won't explain all the relationship dynamics that I had and still have, but it can get very interesting at times. 

Within minutes of arriving, people suddenly felt a very cold chill, and became very agitated.  Here it was summer, and they suddenly felt very cold.  I sensed an extra something (a dark spiritual presence), and immediately started to pray in my head.  The chill went away almost immediately, and the young adults all breathed a sigh of relief, and a few exclaimed, "Wow, that was really weird."

I'm not boasting.  It wasn't my power or presence - - - it was God's power and presence which at first agitated an evil spirit and then sent it away.

Today's takeaway:  I love that we can choose to experience God's peace in any situation!...

(2 Thessalonians 3:16)  Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all!

(John 16:33)  These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

(Philippians 4:5-7)  Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.