At the beginning of the week, while reading 1 Samuel, I was caught off guard in the best way. A single verse in chapter 10 lingered with me long after I closed my Bible, stirring curiosity and memories of my walk with the Holy Spirit, the highs, the failures, the longing, and the quiet hope that is still there. What began as a simple morning reading turned into a week of reflection on transformation, obedience, and the desire to be filled again.
Verse 6 stopped me in my tracks:
“Then the Spirit of the Lord will come upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man.” (1 Samuel 10:6, NKJV)
Later, when I listened to Tasha Cobbs Leonard’s Fill Me Up / Overflow, it felt different. I was already thinking about how the Spirit makes people new, the fruit of the Spirit, and the change that comes from being filled. I started comparing Saul’s experience to my own, especially the difference between feeling full and feeling empty.
For a moment, I even felt a bit jealous of how quickly Saul was changed. Then I thought about my own experience and what it showed me.
To be honest, I remember how quickly things changed for me. I became sensitive to curse words and secular music. I quit smoking right away. It felt like my eyes and ears were suddenly opened.
I remember going to church and hearing a pastor say, “Don’t lose your light.” I thought to myself, I won’t. But then I wondered, How could you lose it?
But as I kept following my own desires and the path I thought was right, I started doubting every prompting until I wasn’t living in overflow anymore. I wish I had learned more from that time, because when I was “filled again,” the same thing happened. Different situation, same result.
It reminds me of the parable about seeds sown on poor soil, where there’s nothing solid for roots to grow. I know I’m mixing parables, but the idea still fits.
Listening to Fill Me Up and thinking about how Saul received the Holy Spirit, was changed, and how his story ended, I felt regret and gratitude. I’m thankful and blessed to be alive, even with my failures. Still, I want to be filled again, but honestly, is my foundation any stronger now? Will I be able to bear the fruit of the Spirit?
I know God desires fruit in my life. He wants obedience, love, and a heart that draws others to Him. The Holy Spirit is my Helper, Teacher, Comforter, and Counselor. But if I don’t listen and obey, I’m just that clanging cymbal without love.
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.” (1 Corinthians 13:1, NKJV)
I’m not even sure that if I were filled again today, I would follow. My flesh feels stubborn and always gets in the way. But maybe that’s just my excuse for failing. I often turn to Paul’s words:
“For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.” (Romans 7:19, NKJV)
Time has taught me I can’t do any of this without Him.
Sometimes I wonder if the Spirit has left me. I didn’t do what was asked. I didn’t listen. Did I grieve the Holy Spirit? But when I’m quiet and still enough, I feel that gentle stirring, the reminder: He will never leave me or forsake me.
On my way to work, a verse came to mind: “I will pour out My Spirit on all people.” As soon as I could, I looked it up to see the whole passage.
“And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days.” (Joel 2:28–29, NKJV)
This promise was fulfilled in Acts 2. But just before that, the Holy Spirit descended upon Yeshua like a dove at His baptism, symbolising divine approval, gentleness, and the beginning of His public ministry. Even Yeshua had a helper.
On Thursday, I woke up to the lyrics of a song, couldn’t remember which one, and had to look it up. ‘Isaiah’s Song Maverick City Music’. I felt blessed to receive such a special wake-up and then look forward to a deep dive into the verse that inspired that song. Isaiah 43.
I think sometimes I’m just looking for reassurance that I’m where I’m supposed to be. Even though I don’t understand the timing or reasons, I can trust that God has a plan for my life. Seeds need time to grow, and there are different cycles and seasons.
Theological Reflection: Saul’s Transformation vs Ours
Saul’s experience in 1 Samuel 10 is dramatic, immediate, and easy to see, but it’s not the same as the transformation described in the New Testament. Saul receives the Spirit for a moment and a mission, not for lifelong growth. His change is real, but it doesn’t last.
By contrast, the New Testament describes the Spirit’s work as:
- Indwelling (John 14:17)
- Transforming over time (2 Corinthians 3:18)
- Producing fruit slowly and organically (Galatians 5:22–23)
- Teaching and reminding (John 14:26)
- Strengthening us in weakness (Romans 8:26)
Saul’s story shows what happens when change isn’t followed by obedience. Paul’s story shows what happens when weakness meets grace.
Devotional Summary
1 Samuel 10 shows that the Spirit can bring instant change, but lasting growth comes through obedience, love, and daily surrender. Even when we feel empty or uncertain, God’s promise in Joel 2 and Acts 2 reminds us that His Spirit is still being poured out. Wanting more of Him, even in weakness, is a sign of His work in us.
With that in mind, I thought it fitting to dedicate this coming week to digging into the Shema Deuteronomy 6:5. Jewish people recite it every morning and evening. Yeshua quoted it when asked about the greatest commandment: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and love your neighbour as yourself.”
Love God. Love people. It sounds simple, but I know I need to understand it more deeply.
Reflection Question
As you read this, what part of your own journey with God comes to mind? Was it a time of overflow, a dry season, or a quiet longing to be filled again?
Join me next week for thoughts on the ‘Shema’.
I’d love for you to sit with me for the next verse. I would love to hear anything it stirs in you: insight, revelation, or even a quiet question.
Wishing you a blessed and grace‑filled week ahead, Elle x
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