“So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David from that day on.”
1 Samuel 16:13
The LORD chose Saul and sent him on HIS mission. But when Saul chose to do his own thing, he lost his kingdom AND relationship with his King.
Meanwhile, a simple shepherd boy was anointed in Saul’s place, and the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David from that day on. Interestingly, the very next verse says, “Now, the Spirit of the Lord had left Saul…” and a few verses later, “the Lord was with David.” So, not surprising, “Saul was afraid of David, for the Lord was with David, and he had turned away from Saul.”
Why would the Lord choose to be with David but turn away from Saul? Remember, God never forces relationship on anyone; it’s every individual’s choice. When Saul chose to disregard God’s instructions, he was the one who turned away first. For any relationship to work, both must make it priority. Saul lost relationship with God because he made himself priority.
While Saul was gathering riches and honor for himself, David was slaying wild animals to protect his father’s sheep and worshiping God with his harp! God knew whose heart was turned toward Him. God knew where He was welcome, and in THAT heart, God chose to dwell from that day on.
When God knows He is welcome, He stays from then on!
