What strategies can Christians use to guard against "a lion eager to tear"? Framing the Danger “ They are like a lion eager to tear his prey, like a young lion lurking in ambush.” (Psalm 17:12) Seeing the Lion for What It Is - The picture is literal and spiritual: ruthless enemies in David’s day, and today the adversary who “prowls around like a roaring lion” (1 Peter 5:8). - The goal of this lion is destruction—of faith, character, relationships, and witness. Strategies That Keep the Lion at Bay • Stay Spiritually Alert - “Be sober-minded and alert.” (1 Peter 5:8) - Watch for subtle compromises—bitterness, unforgiveness, pride—through which the lion gains a foothold. • Seek Refuge in the Lord First - “The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed.” (Psalm 9:9) - Turn instinctively to Him in prayer and worship before analyzing or reacting. Refuge is a position, not a mood; place yourself under His covering daily. • Clothe Yourself in God’s Armor - “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11) - Belt of truth: expose every lie. - Breastplate of righteousness: maintain confessed, clean hearts. - Gospel shoes: stay ready to move in obedience. - Shield of faith: extinguish fiery darts of doubt or accusation. - Helmet of salvation: guard your thought life with gospel certainties. - Sword of the Spirit: wield specific Scriptures against specific attacks. • Saturate Your Mind with Scripture - “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11) - Daily intake—reading, memorizing, meditating—builds spiritual instinct. The lion retreats where truth resonates. • Walk in Integrity at Home and in Public - “The integrity of the upright guides them.” (Proverbs 11:3) - Consistent character denies the lion leverage. Secret sins are open doors; confess and close them quickly (1 John 1:9). • Cultivate God-Centered Community - “Two are better than one… If either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10) - Share struggles, invite accountability, pray for one another (James 5:16). Isolated sheep make easy prey. • Practice Persistent, Focused Prayer - “Pray in the Spirit at all times with every kind of prayer and petition.” (Ephesians 6:18) - Pray offensively—asking for boldness, wisdom, open doors—and defensively—asking for protection, discernment, endurance. • Resist, Don’t Negotiate - “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7) - Resistance is active: declare truth aloud, reject temptation immediately, submit to God in the same breath. • Rest in the Shepherd’s Care - “He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge.” (Psalm 91:4) - The Shepherd is stronger than any lion; confidence in His vigilance quiets anxiety and steadies the heart. Living the Psalm Today David cried out, took shelter in God, and walked forward in righteousness. The same pattern keeps modern believers safe: cry out, cling to the Lord, continue in obedience. When the lion appears eager to tear, these strategies turn believers from prey into protected, prepared, purposeful people. |
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