We have escaped like a bird out of the fowler's snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped. Psalm 124:7
What does a trapped animal do the moment freedom becomes possible?
Does it linger? Does it decide to stay behind because the bait in the trap might satisfy its hunger? If it breaks free, does the animal return to the trap again? Does it visit the snare, saddened that it is no longer confined?
Animals tend to learn from bad situations. If an animal is trapped and freedom presents itself, it will do everything in its power to escape. And generally, once an animal breaks free, it will avoid the snare at all costs.
Oh, to be as smart as the animals! It is sometimes hard to believe that man is the crown of God's creation.
Human beings have been given the gifts of intelligence and reasoning, yet we still do stupid things. We find it difficult to break free from the enemy's snares, not because freedom isn't possible, but because we don't want to deny ourselves the bait. And if we break free, despite what we know, the temptation to return to confinement is so enticing. We find ourselves standing beside the snare, studying it, trying to determine how to snatch the bait without getting caught. How foolish to think, "This time, I won't get stuck in there."
Lord, every snare has been crushed by the sacrifice of Your Son. Why do I sometimes choose to stay confined? Why do I sometimes choose to stand beside the snare longing to be inside? Help me to flee from the enemy's confinement. Teach me to avoid it altogether. No matter how tempting the bait, keep me ever-mindful of the truth: You offer so much more!
Help me to learn from the animals.