Trap

<<caught, ensnare>>

course of our lives. When the natural reaction to break free proves futile, feelings of resignation and hopelessness can lead to a victim mindset.

The Israelites appeared to be physically cornered and so their state of mind was of doom and defeat, yet Moses was confident God had brought them into the situation and would deliver His people. He stated, “Watch and see what God will do”, for faith focuses on the spiritual realm and involves God in the equation (Ex 14:13). How often am I imprisoned with negative thoughts, viewing situations with my natural reasoning instead of, with faith and trust, putting my confidence in God?

The religious leaders tried to ambush Jesus with their questions and have Him arrested however He perceived what they were up to and foiled their plans (Mt 22:15-17; Lk 20:1-8; Jn 8:6). David said, “Keep me from the trap that is set for me” (Ps 31:4, 140:5, 141:9). The Bible states those who set traps for others are likely to be ensnared themselves (Est 7:6-10; Prov 26:27). "The wicked are ensnared by the works of their hands" is confirmed by the sowing and reaping principle (Ps 9:16; Gal 6:7). In your daily life maintain integrity, guard your heart’s desires, consider your paths, keep away from evil and “Be wise as serpents” (Prov 4:14,15,23,26,27, 5:8; Mt 10:16). Think before you speak because by your words you may be ensnared and condemned for although the tongue is only small it gets us into big trouble (Prov 6:2, 12:13; Mt 12:37; Jas 3:5). We pronounce a curse on ourselves by our own words, such as ‘I can’t do it’, so don’t limit the power of God, rather declare “I can do all He wants me to through His ability” (Phil 4:13). Do not give the devil a foothold, because that will soon develop into a stronghold, and can lead to our downfall instead resist him. We must be alert to Satan's schemes, know the weak areas of our lives and pay particular attention to them so we are not overcome, yet continually focusing on God’s victorious provision and our position in Christ (Jn 8:32; 2 Cor 10:4,5; Eph 4:27; 1 Tim 3:7; 2 Tim 2:26; Jas 4:7).

While we are to interact with those not presently in the Kingdom of God, it is through closely associating with those who are not walking in His ways we can be lead astray and ensnared, this is why the Bible says do not form binding relationships with unbelievers (Prov 22:24,25; 2 Cor 6:14).

Don’t compromise your Christian standards but rather, with a positive “My hope is in you” attitude, present your case to God and see Him work. We are not guaranteed deliverance from earthly hardship yet God reminds us that He will never leave or forsake us because His Spirit is within (Ps 39:7; Dan 3:13-18, 6:10,11; Act 12:2,11; 1 Cor 6:19; Heb 13:5). However, if by your negligence or wrong actions you have been entrapped, do all within your power to be free; this will require repenting and making behavioural changes (Prov 6:1-5). It may require deliverance from evil spirits that have ensnared you.

Word of God we will not be entangled in unbiblical humanistic beliefs that don’t reflect the true gospel (Act 17:11). By obeying God’s commands and walking uprightly we will be kept from wrong actions, and reminded that Satan is out to steal, kill and destroy by any means possible. People who suppress the truth by their wickedness are increasingly ensnared themselves – especially in the sexual realm (Prov 6:20-32, 7:6-27; Jn 10:10; Rom 1:18-32).

See also: bondage, deception, decisions, deliverance, escape, freedom, habits, position in Christ, release, temptation, thinking/thoughts, vice, victim mentality, weakness, words.