13/08/2026
EYN DAILY LINK WITH GOD 2026, A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE.
Thursday, 13th August 2026
Disobedience Drives Away The Presence of God
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 16:14-17
Recently in our study of this chapter, we recounted the story of the first King, Saul, and his loss of God's favor due to his disobedience to the Lord. Shortly after Samuel announced that Saul had lost God's blessing Samuel was sent to anoint the new King, David. David was anointed the new King of Israel. After he was anointed, the Spirit of the Lord came upon David in power. And the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him. The passage raises a lingering question: Is God in the business of afflicting people with evil spirits? James declares, when tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, is lured away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death (James 1:13-15).
Even though an evil spirit may be sent by the Devil or invited into our lives by our own actions, ultimately God permits this to happen so in that sense you could say the evil spirit came from the Lord to discipline the sinner. When anyone turns away from the Lord, they create a spiritual vacuum that makes them vulnerable to the influence of evil. Saul became susceptible to deep fits of depression. It was Saul's attendants who suggest that what Saul needs is a musician to help his troubled soul. Saul agreed that it was worth a try and asked for the resumes of possible candidates. In times of depression, we should know that music heals.
Lesson:
When anyone turns away from the Lord, they create a spiritual vacuum for the Devil.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to understand your plans for me.
