I Samuel 16:23
“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.”
I'm not sure who to write about, David or Saul. The present king was a man fallen from God. While he seemed to have a good start, he insisted on doing things his way. This is somewhat convicting, as many struggle with this.
It started early on when he was waiting for Samuel. The troops were ready to fight, yet they were waiting for Samuel's blessing. It seems he felt pressured by the people to get things moving. Saul performed the blessing himself. As soon as he finished Samuel showed up. He received this rebuke, "Your kingdom shall not endure", (I Samuel 13:14).
The next incident happened with another battle. He was commanded to destroy everyone and not to bring back any spoils. He spared the king and some livestock. This time he was told his kingdom was over. Samuel said, "Because you have rejected the Lord, He has rejected you from being king", (I Samuel 15:23).
This didn't cut Saul off from God. He could have repented, given up the throne and sought God. The Lord would have forgiven him and set him on a different path.
Saul's position seemed more important than his relationship with God. After he received this second comment, his worries weren't with how God felt, but with how the people saw him. I Samuel 15:30 says, 'Then he said, “I have sinned; but please honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel, and go back with me, that I may worship the LORD your God.”' He didn't see how empty his rule was. Without God's blessing, the air comes out of the balloon. He was still worried about how the people saw him.
This is still uncomfortable, as we all can be willful. God understands and helps. We need to continue to return to Him in repentance. Putting Him above our circumstances. Our position isn't as important as our relationship with Him.
We see Saul in his pitiful state of being perpetually punished. This tormenting spirit seems to act as a warning to get right with God. Yet, he seems deaf to it. He plows through the pain and continues on as king. He is sacrificing his peace and happiness for his role as king. This would seem enough to drive one insane. Yet, he doesn't change.
Lord, please grant us tender hearts. Help us to head Your warnings and stay on Your path. Help us to let go of the plans that interfere with Your plans.