When God Allows Restlessness: A Lesson from Saul’s Torment
Why 1 Samuel 18:10 isn’t about cruelty—but about consequence, choice, and God’s greater plan
As I was reading this morning, I came across a verse that stopped me in my tracks—1 Samuel 18:10. It says, “The very next day a tormenting spirit from God overwhelmed Saul, and he began to rave in his house like a madman.” I’ll be honest—it made me pause. Why would God send a tormenting spirit? Isn’t God supposed to be loving, good, and full of mercy?
That one verse triggered a whole reflection that I want to share with you. Because the truth is, this isn’t just a story about a king losing his mind—it’s a mirror for our own spiritual lives. It’s about the choices we make, the presence (or absence) of God’s Spirit in us, and what happens when we slowly push God out of the picture.
A King Who Lost God’s Voice
If you back up a little in the story, you’ll see that Saul had already been spiraling. In 1 Samuel 15, he disobeyed God. In 1 Samuel 16, it says the Spirit of the Lord left him. And then by 1 Samuel 18:10, that void is filled with torment.
Not because God is mean.
Not because God wants to torture him.
But because Saul chose disobedience, pride, and control over surrender and trust.
And God, respecting Saul’s free will, allowed him to walk that path.
It’s not that God pushed a tormenting spirit into Saul’s heart—it’s that Saul pushed the Holy Spirit out.
God Doesn’t Force Himself Where He’s Not Wanted
That truth hits deep. How many times in my own life have I felt restless, anxious, spiritually dry—and instead of turning back to God, I distracted myself with noise or busyness?
This story reminded me that God won’t force Himself on us. If we’re determined to hold on to pride or sin, He’ll let us. He’ll let us experience the consequences—not to destroy us, but to wake us up.
Just like with Saul, God was still writing the bigger story. David was already being prepared. God was already moving.
What This Means for You and Me
There’s a Saul in each of us—especially when we stop seeking God daily.
But the good news is this:
Where Saul resisted, we can repent.
Where Saul grew bitter, we can grow humble.
Where Saul chose control, we can choose surrender.
God isn’t trying to torment you—He’s trying to get your attention. The restlessness, the discontent, the ache in your soul—those are all invitations to come back to Him.
A Simple Prayer
Lord, don’t let me go the way of Saul.
Remove any pride in me that resists You.
Fill me with Your Holy Spirit again.
Make me sensitive to Your presence and quick to obey.
Let me never be empty, but always overflowing with Your peace.
Let this be a reminder: when God allows a shaking, it’s not to ruin you. It’s to realign you. Keep your heart open. Choose to be like David—a man after God’s own heart—not like Saul, a man who traded God’s voice for his own ego.