Yesterday, I spent time considering Psalm 124 and David’s praise to the Lord. He writes in verses 7-8:
We have escaped like a bird out of the fowler’s snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
I took a few moments to think about all the “snares” God has broken in my own life and all the ways He has allowed me to escape that which would have destroyed me. I thanked God for breaking the snare of despair and bitterness. I thought about being set free from bad relationships, harmful activities, and a whole list of entanglements that might have suffocated me.
God releases you from the snare. He gives you power, resources, and insight to do so. He sends wise counselors to help. He strengthens your faith to make hard decisions. But first, He shows you where and what it is that’s beginning to trap you or already has you in its grip. I read God’s word daily for this very reason: it exposes lies, deception, and dark and slippery paths. God’s word heightens my sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and helps me hear the voice of the Shepherd directing my steps. I often ask Jesus to show me any hidden snares, especially as I embark on new projects.
God breaks the snare. We cannot do it alone. So many times in my life, I’ve cried out to Jesus, “Only you can release my foot from the snare!” as David does in Psalm 25:15.
The snares hide. They disguise themselves so the birds cannot know. But God can open our eyes–even right at this moment–to know what will ensnare us. And then, He provides our way of escape. He breaks the snare.