Psalm 141:9

Psalm 141:9

Keep me safe!

Throughout his Psalms David has a preoccupation with the enemy forces that are against him and the particular efforts of individuals to entrap him. As we have noted, a close scrutiny of his life and its conflicts, shows us that barely a day passed without there being plots and schemes to undermine his authority or to hinder his journey. As King, he was constantly under threat from everyone including close family, and then there were the schemes of the rulers of the nations. No wonder his cry is, “Keep me safe from the traps set by evildoers, from the snares they have laid for me.” David is not just aware of the traps, he knows that much of the time he is in mortal danger. It’s no different today when senior world leaders can only travel from place to place accompanied by hosts of security guards and elite marksmen. Too many Presidents, Prime Ministers and others have lost their lives because of the hatred and twisted mindsets of their enemies. David was also aware that he faced a daily barrage of snares and pitfalls prepared by his adversaries to trap him into errors and political obscurity. All manner of lies and gossiping were promoted to tarnish his reputation and his role as king. Again, this is commonplace today and the tactics have not changed.

We might all ask the question, “Does this affect me? I’m not an important statesman, I’m just ordinary, who is going to want to ensnare me?” Actually, we are important, and we do have statesmanship thrust upon us. We are sons and daughters of God himself. We are kings and priests in His Royal Family, seated with Christ Jesus in the heavenly realms and prime targets therefore for the devil and his minions. It would be very naïve to assume that we are not under attack or that carefully laid snares do not await us, especially if we are intent on laying our faith on the line. Watch out! Be on guard! Do not be drawn in by the devil’s lures, he will use any means to draw us into sin and away from our spiritual heritage. “Keep me safe Lord!”

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