David Pursued God in Worship & Chased Away Demons

In 1 Samuel 16:14-23, we find David pursuing God in worship and chasing away demons. At the onset of Saul’s attack from the evil spirit, David is called upon. Because he was known to be a man after God’s own heart, he was known to be a worshiper. Many of David’s psalms were written as he tended sheep in the fields. 

In Psalm 29:1-2, David says, “Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.” Worship is the act of ascribing worth to God, regardless of circumstances or environment. 

Questions for Meditation

1. What are the two atmospheres that are present in this passage of scripture? What are the differences between the two atmospheres? 
2. Read Ephesians 5:18-20. How can we set the atmosphere, regardless of our circumstances or situations? What is one specific situation this week that you can pray about setting a new atmosphere in? 
3. One of the conclusions we can find from this passage is that worship is a prescription. Sometimes we battle depression or discouragement; other times, we feel oppressed or attacked; and sometimes, we feel surrounded by gloom or darkness. How can introducing worship as a prescription for our circumstances change the way we think, feel, and act?
4. We also see, through David’s pursuit, that worship is a weapon. How did David use it as a weapon, and are there any other stories in the Bible that come to mind in which worship was used as a weapon?
5. Often times, using weaponry involves a certain posture, or form. When we look at David’s life, his worship took on certain forms, postures, and acts. What are some of the different ways that David worshiped and used it as a weapon in the Bible?
6. The weapon or worship draws the presence of God, and the presence of evil is driven out. Where in your life do you need to use the weapon of worship? And how can you make it a part of your everyday life?