Psalm 91:3-4: “For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.”
A “snare” when used as a noun, is a trap used to catch animals. The purpose is to entrap or entangle unaware by the use of grain, which serves as a bribe. These type of traps are often put in a hole in the ground and are concealed from sight. The animal walks into the snare not suspecting danger and is suddenly caught. When used as a verb, the definition of a snare is to catch or involve in trickery. Being caught, enticed, and taken by surprise. Either way, a “snare” is used to capture something or someone unaware of their downfall.
But what does David mean when he said God would deliver from “the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence?” A “fowler” was a hunter of birds of all kinds around Palestine, and these birds were seized for a meal. He was a professional bird catcher. David’s response was that if we keep close to God, He will deliver us from the evil plans laid to ruin us just as a bird sometimes in his struggles in the trap, escapes from “the snare (verse 3).” God will bring us to safety, as Psalm 124:7 declares: “We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers (professional bird catchers); the snare is broken, and we have escaped!”
Satan will be very creative when trying to snare us away from God’s truth and get us back into the habit of fear and anxiety. He will use many methods: trickery, circumstances, gossip, pride, fearful thoughts, anxiety, discontentment, and lack of thankfulness, selfishness, overloaded schedule, and lack of trust, lack of faith, lack of self-confidence, and lack of hope. These will keep us trapped in his snare of guilt, shame, frustration, or feelings of failure. He will change it up from time to time, when we least expect it, to try to make us fall and not rely on our Lord and Savior. It won’t just be one snare. He has many! I must admit, having a lack of patience with people has been a trap I have fallen into recently, among others.
I was listening to a sermon on TV from Charles Stanley, on overcoming discouragement. He advised that we need to be aware that giving into discouragement often leads to sin. That made me put myself in pause mode. I had to stop and think about that statement. He went on to say that “sometimes God allows disappointments to occur so that you will learn to rely on Him more fully—to walk by faith and not by sight. But never forget this: while disappointments are inevitable, discouragement is a choice. You should not allow the challenges that arise to steal your enthusiasm or confidence in Him.” Did you ever realize feeling dismayed, depressed, beaten down, and disheartened could lead you to sin? I didn’t, but I see he has a valid point and something to be on guard against.
The male lion is the one with the beautiful mane and loud roar. Along beside a river, a male lion will scare a herd of animals with its loud and ferocious roar. However, the female lion is waiting in a place that is not evident. The lioness is hiding in tall grass and waiting. Because she does not have a large mane she is not as easily seen. Then the male lion will let out his huge roar that can be heard from up to five miles away, and come from the front. But he is not the real threat. So the gazelle or antelope will then run as far away as possible only to be eaten up by the female lion hiding and unnoticed. The various animal’s instincts were wrong and cost them their lives. They should instead have run to the roar instead away from it and avoid being trapped. Isn’t that just like our emotions? When you run from things that cause you anxiety and worry, you may be running into danger.
“If you fail to face your fears, they will always be right there behind you. You must suppress the little voice inside that’s telling you to get out of Dodge. It is not your friend. When you feel that panicky fight-or-flight sensation and you want to run away, do the opposite. Run toward the roar. You have come into the kingdom for such a time as this (Esther 4:14).” Levi Lusko. “Through The Eyes of a Lion. Facing Impossible Pain Finding Incredible Power.”
How do we keep from falling into Satan’s conniving bribery? By reading and meditating on God’s Word – even if it is only one verse for the whole day. Review it. Repeat it out loud. Have it taped to your bathroom mirror. Be on guard with the shield of faith to fight against being caught unaware in the snares of discouragement, defeat, fear, pride, unforgiveness, and anger which will all lead to sin. Proverbs 18:10 states: “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.”
Remember, God is your refuge and fortress. His faithfulness is a shield for you to wear. You even have angels commanded by God to guard you (Psalm 91:11)!
When facing a trial or problem stop to pray for wisdom, for God’s solution, and for His answer. Sometimes doing nothing is the answer at first. This is a process. Sometimes it involves tears. Sometimes it takes a period of grief. Sometimes it takes laughter. It takes working through anxiety (the synonym word for that is worry) of painful circumstances as God simply needs us to fully trust Him. God will prove Himself faithful. Remember He knows your name (Psalm 91:14)!
“We live in a culture that celebrates fifteen minutes of fame, but God honors a lifetime of faithfulness.” Mark Batterson, “Chase the Lion. If Your Dream Doesn’t Scare You, It’s Too Small.”
“IF YOU TAKE A SELFIE, YOU WON’T SEE THE VERSION OF YOURSELF YOU ARE MEANT TO BECOME, NO MATTER WHAT FILTER YOU USE.” ― Levi Lusko, “Through the Eyes of a Lion: Facing Impossible Pain, Finding Incredible Power.”
“A failure to understand how powerful and extraordinary God’s plans for you are will lead to you being taken advantage of by the enemy and failing to live up to your potential.” ― Levi Lusko, “Through the Eyes of a Lion: Facing Impossible Pain, Finding Incredible Power.”
Question: What verse reminds you that the end of your story has not taken place yet?
Question: What do you need to be delivered from?
What “snare” have you fallen into this week and what can you do to be on guard it won’t happen again?
May you experience mercy, grace, and the richness from God’s love in your life today as you find refuge in Him. Fear nothing. Say out loud Psalm 91:2 from the MSG: “GOD, your’re my refuge. I trust in you and I’m safe!”
Listen to Casting Crown’s song “Just Be Held.”