I Samuel 18:10
“Now it came about on the next day that an evil spirit from God rushed 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.”
This verse used to frighten me. How could God send an evil spirit upon someone? I've since realized that Saul was living in a manner that was contrary to God's will. The Lord had been putting road blocks in his way for a while. This was another.
It reminds me of I Corinthians 5:5, "I have decided to turn such a person over to Satan for the destruction of his body, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord." According to Paul, this person was headed towards hell. It would be better to hand this one over to Satan, so as to save his soul.
How does Paul suggest turning this one over to Satan? Verse two says to "remove him from your midst". Don't hang out with him, ask him to leave your group until he changes his ways.
The body of Christ is to be life support to believers. We all know how a friend group is important to us. We fit in and are encouraged by the group. The church is that and much more. The Bible calls the church the body of Christ. It's where we get fed (spiritually through bible teaching), it's where we learn to serve, it's where we learn our spiritual gifts and learn to exercise them, it's our social group and more. There is much damage done to the believer who is asked to leave the church.
King Saul was used by God was working through Israel. However, he was disobedient and self serving on several levels. Samuel attempted to work with him. However, the kingly role was more important than God to him. So, God rejected him and went to David. This evil spirit was God's attempt to get Saul's attention so he could abandon his idol and return to God.
God wants us to be in a good relationship with Him. He uses life's circumstances as tutors to teach us lessons and to be drawn close to Him. These have mixed reactions to different people. I've heard it said that "the same sun that hardens clay melts butter". These circumstance can draw us closer to Him or drive us further away.
I would like to take credit for responding well, but it seems like a positive response is a gift from God. Romans 3:27 says, "Where then is boasting? It has been excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith." This is difficult as God holds those accountable for choosing wrongly. We just have to accept that God is just and be grateful that we are under His blessing.
Romans 8:28 fits here, "And we know that God causes all things to work for good to those that are called according to His purpose." The Lord is the gate who allows and disallows entry into our lives. Even if we make a mistake, He will use that as well to work for good. What a great joy this is. We need not fret over misfortunes, but be glad that He will use it for our betterment and His glory.
This is a great testament to His love and His power. He cares so much that He can see and control all. Also the complexity on how particular actions are like ripples in water that affect many boats. He is brilliant and able.
He wants us to trust Him with all of life's circumstances. Colossians 3:15 says, "Let the peace of Christ, to which you were indeed called in one body, rule in your hearts; and be thankful." We aren't to let the day to day workings of life affect the joy and peace God gives us. Faith allows us to trust and rest.
Lord, thank You that work all things for good. We give you praise for Your great love and Your amazing control that can handle all of this. Help us to rest in You.