Embattled Christians

1 Sam 16:13-23

^16v13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah.
David in Saul’s Service

¹⁴ Now the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul, and an
evil spirit from the Lord tormented him.

¹⁵ Saul’s attendants said to him, “See, an evil spirit from God is tormenting you. ¹⁶ Let our lord command his servants here to search for someone who can play the lyre. He will play when the evil spirit from God comes on you, and you will feel better.”

¹⁷ So Saul said to his attendants, “Find someone who plays well and bring him to me.”

¹⁸ One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the Lord is with him.”

¹⁹ Then Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.” ²⁰ So Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine and a young goat and sent them with his son David to Saul.

²¹ David came to Saul and entered his service. Saul liked him very much, and David became one of his armor-bearers.
²² Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, “Allow David to remain in my service, for I am pleased with him.”

²³ Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.

Psalm 5

¹ Listen to my words, Lord, consider my lament.
² Hear my cry for help, my King and my God,

for to you I pray.

³ In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.
⁴ For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness;
with you, evil people are not welcome.
⁵ The arrogant cannot stand in your presence.
You hate all who do wrong; ⁶ you destroy those who tell lies.
The bloodthirsty and deceitful you, Lord, detest.
⁷ But I, by your great love, can come into your house;
in reverence I bow down toward your holy temple.

⁸ Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies - make your way straight before me.
⁹ Not a word from their mouth can be trusted;
their heart is filled with malice.
Their throat is an open grave; with their tongues they tell lies.
¹⁰ Declare them guilty, O God!

Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you.
¹¹ But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

¹² Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous;
you surround them with your favour as with a shield.