So David escaped and went to Ramah to see Samuel, and he told him all that Saul had done to him. Then Samuel took David with him to live at Naioth. When the report reached Saul that David was at Naioth in Ramah, he sent troops to capture him. But when they arrived and saw Samuel leading a group of prophets who were prophesying, the Spirit of God came upon Saul’s men, and they also began to prophesy. When Saul heard what had happened, he sent other troops, but they, too, prophesied! The same thing happened a third time. Finally, Saul himself went to Ramah and arrived at the great well in Secu. “Where are Samuel and David?” he demanded. “They are at Naioth in Ramah,” someone told him. But on the way to Naioth in Ramah the Spirit of God came even upon Saul, and he, too, began to prophesy all the way to Naioth! He tore off his clothes and lay naked on the ground all day and all night, prophesying in the presence of Samuel. The people who were watching exclaimed, “What? Is even Saul a prophet?” – 1 Samuel 19:18-24 (NLT)
This story about Saul chasing David is one I can’t help but see myself in. Saul was so determined to take control of the situation, no matter how many times God stepped in and said, “No.” On three occasions, Saul sent messengers after David, and three times the Spirit of God stopped them. You’d think Saul would’ve gotten the message, but instead he went himself. And what happened? God’s Spirit overwhelmed him, too.
It’s a striking picture of God saying, “Hands off, Saul! I’m in charge!”
Am I Fighting a Battle I Can’t Win?
Reading this makes me wonder how often do I do the same thing? How often do I ignore God’s clear message because I’m so determined to make things go my way? Maybe you’ve felt it too – that urge to keep pushing, keep controlling, even when God is tell you to let go?
But just like Saul, we’re reminded that we can’t fight against God and win. His Spirit is stronger than our plans, our fears, and even our stubbornness. And honestly – that’s a good thing!
What Could My Life Look Like if I Surrendered?
There’s another part of this story that hits me hard. When Saul started prophesying, it wasn’t just about stopping him from hurting David. I think it was also God’s way of saying, “This is how I could work in you all the time, Saul, if only you would let me.”
That makes me pause. Have I felt God moving in my life, maybe even in powerful ways, but still held back? Have I been affected by His presence but resisted giving Him full control?
God humbled Saul by stripping away his royal robes. It was as if the Lord was telling him, “You’re no longer the king, I am the King!” And if I’m honest, there are moments when I need to hear that too. I hold onto my own little crowns, my pride, my plans, and God is gently asking me to let them go.
Moving From Control to Surrender
This passage challenges me. It’s not enough to experience God’s power or His presence. What He really wants is my heart – my full surrender. And that’s hard sometimes. It’s scary to let go of control! But the truth is, life is so much better when He’s in charge.
What about you? Is there something you’ve been holding onto, some area of your life where God is saying, “Hands off. Trust me!”? What would it look like to surrender that to Him today?
Today’s Prayer: Lord, I don’t want to fight You anymore. I see how Saul’s pride led him to resist You over and over again, and I don’t want that to be my story. Help me to let go of my plans and my need to control everything. Teach me to trust You fully, even when it’s hard. I lay down my pride, my fears, and my crown before You. Be the King of my life, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Former Blackout Artist 