Daily Devotions
Psalms
Psalm 51:11b "Do not take Your Holy Spirit from me..."
Day 122 – Psalm 51
“Do not take Your Holy Spirit from me…” Psalm 51:11b
REMEMBERING KING SAUL’S EXPERIENCE
David served King Saul once. He had heard about how Saul had experienced the anointing of the Holy Spirit so that he could rule Israel well (1 Samuel 10:9-10; 11:6). King Saul behaved as one of the prophets of God (1 Samuel 10:10).
David had also seen what happened when the Spirit of God left King Saul. Instead of the Holy Spirit, “a distressing spirit” troubled him (1 Samuel 16:14-15). Saul was given to chronic manic depressive tendencies. There were times he became irrational and would attempt to slay anyone he was suspicious of. No one was spared his wrath, not even the crown prince Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:33).
FEAR OF LOSING THE HOLY SPIRIT
David was in fear and dread as he dwelt upon his sin-problem. What would God do to him? He feared the worst!
“Do not cast me away from Your presence,
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.”
Psalm 51:11
1. “Do not cast me away from Your presence”
a) David’s theological understanding was incomplete.
b) He was afraid that what happened to King Saul could also happen to him.
c) He feared that God would cast him away because of his sins.
2. “And do not take your Holy Spirit from me”
a) David feared the loss of the Holy Spirit’s presence in his life.
b) The Presence of the Holy Spirit represented much:-
i) David would remain as the anointed king of Israel.
ii) God’s Spirit would provide special protection from distressing spirits.
iii) God’s Spirit indwelling him would give him much wisdom and strength to help him rule Israel well.
c) It was God’s prerogative entirely- to give or to take away the Holy Spirit.
David pleaded with all his might that the Spirit of God would never be withdrawn!