For my eyes are on you, Yahweh, the Lord. I take refuge in you. Don't leave my soul destitute. Keep me from the snare which they have laid for me, from the traps of the workers of iniquity. Let the wicked fall together into their own nets while I pass by. Psalms 141:8–10 WEB.

A simple but effective trap design that has been used through the ages is the pit trap. Hunters dig a deep pit and place sharpened sticks in the bottom of it. Then they cover the hole with foliage and put something irresistible in the center to lure the prey to it like a big piece of juicy meat. When the game goes after the bait, they fall into the pit and are caught in the trap. Something that looked really good turned out to be hiding something terrible.

While we are busy trying to live a Christian life, the enemy is busy digging pits for us to fall into. he tries to place tantalizing treats before us. If we fall for it, he will expose us and draw as much attention to our failure as possible. Fallen Christians being laughed at by the world are the devil's delight. Broken homes, broken people, and various addictions all started with a single thought. When people fall, they often become trapped in an endless loop and just can't seem to get out of it.

Maintain a healthy balance in your life, and when you start feeling those little warnings from the Holy Spirit, back away. Will the Lord let you fall into a trap? Apparently, because we fall into them by following our own lusts and desires, not His. A fish goes after the bait because they are hungry, and something inside of them wants it. If they are not interested, then the lure does not work. Fish that are not hungry don't bite.

David prayed for the Lord to keep him from the traps of His enemies (Psalm 141:9). Jesus told us in the model prayer, "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one" (Matthew 6:13). So be wary of the tempting treats that appear beside your path today. If you have already fallen, know that the Lord can still lead you out of it, for it is not over yet.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please keep from falling into the traps of my enemies. Help me to see them clearly for what they are and avoid them. Please send the Comforter to me like You promised and cover me with Your peace, love, and grace today. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

Note: Today is Thankful Thursday at the Ministry Events group! This event gives us an opportunity encourage each other by posting thoughts, moments, and prayers of gratitude for Him, His creation and all that He does in our lives. All our welcome! To join, just click on the group name and then the join link on the page that will follow. As always, if you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network.