Avoiding “Gotcha”

(Psa 142:3 KJV)  When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.

(Proverbs 18 also read)

I guess this is saying, “Yes, they are out to get you.”  Maybe you have never felt that way but this indicates that there are people who are preparing a “hidden” (2934) “trap” (6431a) and they want you to fall into it.  The context is David feeling like he is boxed in.  The title, which I think is in the text, says it was written while he was hiding in a cave.

I don’t know about you but I have never hidden in a cave.  If I had a cave when my grandchildren were visiting I might find a reason to hide in it, but no such luck.  There is a lesson for us in this though.  Our lives are full of quiet little traps that are designed to drag us down.  Some are the active work of Satan.  Others are just the way life is.

How do we avoid them?  Two thoughts came to mind.  First, stick to the well traveled paths.  If you are on the sidewalk you will probably not find too many pits to fall into.  If you are forced to go your own way then look for the footprints of those who have gone before you.  They will give you a safe route.

So?  Be aware.  If you are driving the speed limit then the cop behind the tree will have no interest in chasing you.  That may not be true if you have doughnuts.