Traps and Snares

Psalm 141:10

” Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by in safety.”

I like watching hunting shows and mountain men shows strictly because of the hunt. Not all shows of this type end in harvesting an animal to eat. Many of them follow people as they set traps and snares to catch fish or animals in order to eat and survive. These people are wise and crafty in knowing how to set a trap or snare because they actually want it to work. Most of the time, the animal will never see the trap and get caught. Some even get caught and struggle to free themselves, avoiding the inevitable.

David continually prays to the Lord throughout Psalms. He prays and sings songs about resting in His presence, following His will, and even asking the Lord to smite his enemies. But have you ever noticed that he also prays to the Lord about traps and snares?

Many times, David prays to the Lord to protect him from the traps of the enemy that have been set to catch him. You see, traps and snares are designed to be unnoticed and to look like nothing unusual. In fact, when an animal gets caught in a trap, the animal did not have a bad day and decide to get caught. Rather, the trap it was caught in was hiding in plain sight, covered by the same materials that were common in the animal’s path.

Satan has set traps for you and me. These traps and snares are in our pathways of life. They are covered and disguised with the same things we walk through every day. If you looked up and saw a prostitute on your front door with a sign, you would avoid the trap for sure—but Satan knows you are not dumb. His traps are much more subtle. In fact, you won’t even know you are caught until it is too late.

David was caught once with Bathsheba, and before he knew it, he was caught and committed murder to cover it up. Verse 10 of this Psalm should be our prayer every day. The Lord will guide you into all righteousness and let you pass by Satan’s trap safely. Beware of the slow fade—the trap that has been set for you. Below is one of my favorite songs from Casting Crowns. It outlines the slow fade and getting caught in the trap of the enemy.

Be careful little eyes what you see
It’s the second glance that ties your hands
As darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it’s the little feet behind you

That are sure to follow

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise
The end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises
Lead broken hearts astray

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you’re thinkin’
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinkin’

Prayer: Father I pray that you would help us to recognize the traps and snares of the enemy. I pray that the Holy Spirit will enlighten those snares so we can avoid them and walk in victory in Jesus name, amen.