Friday, March 5, 2010
Attitude Adjustment
(I Samuel 16:14-23)
Attitude has a bearing on everything in life. From simple, temporary depression to deep-seated psychosis, mental and emotional disturbances can cripple otherwise healthy, intelligent individuals. Compounded with spiritual dearth, a bad attitude can lead to uncharacteristic negative behavior. From the time of his rejection from the kingship, Saul’s emotional life began a downward spiral that would ultimately result in his personal destruction.
In today’s passage we meet with an interesting declaration. Speaking of Saul, the Bible says, “…an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him.” Some commentators have imagined that this is a reference to demonic possession. While the departing of the Spirit of the Lord certainly opened Saul to demonic influences, it is probably better to view the “evil spirit from the Lord” as a spirit of discontent, depression, discouragement—simply put, as a bad attitude. Judges 9:23 records similarly that God “sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem…”
Whatever the source, Saul’s attitude would frequently dip to unreasoning rages, fits of terror, and even homicidal violence. As the years rolled on, his manic depression increased with fewer prolonged periods of mental stability. History records that many great leaders suffered bouts of depression. Winston Churchill frequently referred to depression as a “black dog” that would sometimes come to visit him. Saul’s depression, however, interfered with his duties as king.
Interestingly, the only antidote for Saul’s bad attitude—at least early on—was David’s musical ability. And, providentially God used David’s talent—and Saul’s bad attitude—to position young David in the palace of the king. Even bad attitudes can’t thwart God! And Saul’s sour disposition became David’s open door.
