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. -1 Samuel 16:16, NIV
Saul, once King of Israel, has turned into a monster. Once a noble Benjaminite who held the indwelling of God’s love, just saw a black shadow.
-What is this? Why are you following me?, he so naively asked to the dark shadow.
But that thing said nothing. Not even a “Hi”, not even a “Hello.” Not even Saul received a “Divine Disowning Eviction” notice! But the shadow didn’t need to: God –with all His mercy- sent that thing to torment him. That shadow followed Saul into every nook and cranny of the royal palace. On the bathroom, on the kitchen, on the living room, no the royal stables… Saul shuddered like a leper at night, panted like Bambi stumbling over the fact that his mother died. His mind was struck with the ominous sound of war, famine, of disease, pestilence. He thought he was going to die.
-No! Leave me alone, you horrible fiend! No-Noooo…
It was too late.
Back in Bethlehem, David son of Jesse was receiving the rich anointing that flowed from Aaron’s beard. Unbelievable! A flaco shepherd boy! The person whom you’d least expect to rule his own home would rule over Israel some day. So after Samuel left, David took a feather from a duck, a scroll, and a black ink made from a dark snail and started writing a song. Not a song that would exalt his position- a song that would express his excitement for the future. He didn’t care about calligraphy, or words, or commas or even accents. He was really careful in expressing his love, and he wasn’t ashamed of it.
In a heartbeat, someone interrupted David’s moment. It was a royal servant from the house of Saul. He was running, sweating, panting, with dire news for the new king.
-Um, sir, Saul’s in trouble. Some weird spirit possessed him, the royal servant said to David. –Can you play the harp? Maybe that’ll soothe it out….
David thought of it for a split second. Wait a minute- he had a harp stored in a nearby stump! He picked up that harp and fine-tuned it for a bit. Then he rushed with the servant to Saul’s abode.
Well, Saul looked pretty messed up. When they got there, Saul wanted to throw them with a spear, but he missed it! He even said, “David, I’ve been waiting for you-Argh!” Something bit Saul, something nasty. David was ready to get his weapon, ready to fire…
And then he played that harp.
The sound of the harp was so mighty, so heavenly, that love was breathing over the springs. Angels were playing their instruments, and the tunes of praise were more than enough to shatter Saul’s tormenter. Anguish. Pain. Agony. That’s what Saul experienced when those things were getting out of him. But they got out, thanks to God!
God let David witness the miracle of His glory. That harp was the beginning of something amazing in David’s life. And we hold that harp in our voices.
So when in doubt, play that harp!