And the women sang to one another as they celebrated, "Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands."" And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, "They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?"" And Saul eyed David from that day on. The next day a harmful spirit from God rushed upon Saul, and he raved within his house while David was playing the lyre, as he did day by day. Saul had his spear in his hand. And Saul hurled the spear, for he thought, "I will pin David to the wall."" But David evaded him twice. Saul was afraid of David because the LORD was with him but had departed from Saul.

A powerful vignette here. God sent a harming (tormenting in the NLT) spirit. The LORD, God, the Almighty had removed His protective shield over Saul, (see 1 Sam.13:11-13 and 15:22-35 for examples of the reasons the shield was removed) Saul was jealous of David because he had received the praises that Saul regarded as his due as King. Saul's pride had been hurt. Saul's life was no longer being, if it ever was, in the fear of the LORD.

How often are jealousy and pride at the very root of problems that I may be experiencing as a disciple of Jesus Christ? Do I need to routinely examine the state of my heart, soul, and mind to see if I am loving (fearing) the LORD, God the Almighty, with all my being?

Today's readings in the Psalms:

Morning: Psalm 121

Mid-day: 119:81-88

Evening: Psalm 46

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"Voices Together" is available as an annual daily devotional and can be purchased at theFellowship Of Ailbe bookstore.  A weekly edition, formatted as a bi-fold insert and suitable for distribution can be downloaded at https://www.ailbe.org/resources/itemlist/category/52-general-downloads. The next edition is available by Thursday of the prior week.