When David had fled and made his escape, he went to Samuel at Ramah and told him all that Saul had done to him. Then he and Samuel went to Naioth and stayed there. 19 Word came to Saul: “David is in Naioth at Ramah”; 20 so he sent men to capture him. But when they saw a group of prophets prophesying, with Samuel standing there as their leader, the Spirit of God came on Saul’s men, and they also prophesied. 21 Saul was told about it, and he sent more men, and they prophesied too. Saul sent men a third time, and they also prophesied. 22 Finally, he himself left for Ramah and went to the great cistern at Seku. And he asked, “Where are Samuel and David?” “Over in Naioth at Ramah,” they said. 23 So Saul went to Naioth at Ramah. But the Spirit of God came even on him, and he walked along prophesying until he came to Naioth. 24 He stripped off his garments, and he too prophesied in Samuel’s presence. He lay naked all that day and all that night. This is why people say, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” 1 Samuel 19.18-24
I have felt God’s presence many times in worship. Yet only a handful of times have I felt it so thick that I could cut it with a knife.
One of those times was when I was a youth pastor in Marble Falls in 1998, and another was at the Revive Winter Retreat in 2024. The “glow” of God’s presence stayed with me for hours, even days or weeks after being in His presence. Subsequent worship services placed us immediately in God’s presence, and we did not want to leave. This is the same manifestation that occurred during the Asbury outpouring two years ago in February. Everyone who entered that place caught the wind of the Holy Spirit.
As I read this passage in 1 Samuel 19, where group after group of unsuspecting people came to capture David and were instead filled with God’s Spirit, I am reminded of my own experience. The story tells us that three groups were sent by Saul to take David, yet each time, the men forgot what they were doing and began to prophesy. Finally, even Saul himself showed up, and the same thing happened. He, who had been far from God and overcome with evil, was now overcome by good. It was as if they had jumped into a raging river and were swept away by the current. Saul “stripped off his garment, prophesied in Samuel’s presence,” and “lay naked all that day and all that night.”
Have you ever been in God’s presence in such a way that you did not want to leave? I certainly have. As I’ve said, it hasn’t happened often, but when it does, it is the most beautiful thing. God chooses to bless us with His presence and fills us with His love and grace.
Perhaps today, you need a fresh filling from the Lord. I certainly do! This past month of ministry has been full—every day, every weekend filled with purpose. And yet, resting in His presence seems elusive. If you are like me, you long for more of Him, and yet His power feels just out of reach.
My only advice: come to the waters. Drink deeply. Find courage and rest in the arms of Jesus. Be intentional, yet open to His power, that He might come upon you this day and every day to come.
“O Lord God, thank You for using us for Your kingdom and Your glory. Come now, Holy Spirit, and fill me with Your love. Help me know the truth of Your Word and the power of Your Spirit. Come now, Lord Jesus, let us dwell together in love, grace, and Your presence. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen