Saturday, April 21, 2012

1 Samuel 18-20 and Psalms 11 & 59: A Loving Spanking?

1 Samuel 18:10
Amplified Bible (AMP)

10The next day an evil spirit from God came mightily upon Saul, and he raved [madly] in his house, while David played [the lyre] with his hand, as at other times; and there was a javelin in Saul's hand.


1 Samuel 19:9
Amplified Bible (AMP) 



9Then an evil spirit from the Lord came upon Saul as he sat in his house with his spear in his hand; and David was playing [the lyre] with his hand.

Unless the original Hebrew has been incorrectly translated, these verses are crystal clear. God does command or send good and evil spirits to do His bidding, BUT personally knowing God’s heart gives me a different perspective on His motives.


Romans 2:4
Amplified Bible (AMP)

"Or are you [so blind as to] trifle with and presume upon and despise and underestimate the wealth of His kindness and forbearance and long-suffering patience? Are you unmindful or actually ignorant [of the fact] that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repent ([a]to change your mind and inner man to accept God's will)?"



Could it be that sometimes an obstinate attitude requires a firm spanking in the form of "depression"? God loves us so much that He will go to any lengths to save us from ourselves. Sometimes the only way a person can give up independence is by hitting rock bottom. Often, it is in this place that we realize our deep need for God to be our Master, be the One to call the shots. We realize we have no strength apart from Him. Truly, it is a kindness from God to assign or allow evil to have its way with us. He wants us with Him for eternity, and if it takes temporal punishment to accomplish this, then He may employ it.

I think this is where the "open door" theory comes to play. It is said that we may have an open door in order for this to happen. Saul had an open door. He entertained thoughts of jealousy towards David. Entertaining sinful thoughts do "open the door" to a firm spanking from our Daddy. A Father Who loves His children will discipline them!

But just because someone is suffering with depression, it does not automatically mean that person has an open door. We cannot presume to diagnose someone's difficulties. It is up to us to love like Jesus and help that person through the rough spot. We must NEVER shun a person who is suffering because we think we know what's going on in their heart. That is having a judgmental attitude and that thought process will also require a spanking from Daddy!

Our view of God is much too black and white. He cannot be locked in the box of our understanding of Him. His ways are always higher...period!!!