1 Samuel chapter 19 verses 23-24 (NIV)
So Saul went to Naioth at Ramah. But the Spirit of God came even on him, and he walked along prophesying until he came to Naioth. He stripped off his garments, and he too prophesied in Samuel’s presence. He lay naked all that day and all that night. This is why people say, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
At this point in his life Saul was just going through the motions of following God. His overwhelming jealousy of David, and his desire to be thought well of, had taken over his life. He had once again tried to kill David. He was far from where he could and should have been.
David, on the other hand, had fled to Samuel, perhaps to seek guidance and counsel. Samuel was still the country’s spiritual leader. He had never deviated from serving the Lord wholeheartedly.
The presence of God was so strongly with Samuel that other lives were touched – even Saul. We’re told he too prophesied whilst in Samuel’s presence. I believe that such was the anointing he carried. He was never far from God.
I believe that, as followers of Christ, we carry the Holy Spirit with us. His presence in us should make a difference to those we come across. Are we willing to carry that anointing so that those whose lives may be far from God can be impacted by His presence in our lives? I have experienced this on occasion, but not as regularly as I could or should. It’s a reminder to me of the need to be as faithfully consistent before God as Samuel was.
Dear Lord,
Help me never to stray far from You, and to remember who dwell in my heart. May I be ready to allow the Holy Spirit move through my life as He wants so that even those who are currently far from You, can sense Your very presence. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.