Fighting LonelinessSample

The Enemy’s Trap

Have you ever seen a nature video where a predator attacks its prey?

It’s incredible how clever the predator can be.

Having watched its prey for some time, the predator quietly crawls up to the herd, selects its victim, and unleashes its fury.

But their greatest weapon against the prey is not claws or teeth. It’s their ability to separate and isolate the victim from their herd.

The predator knows it’s easier to attack prey in isolation than in community.

Our enemy is no different. He has been preying on humanity for a long time, and one of his most effective strategies is isolation and loneliness.

In 2 Samuel 11, we read a famous story of David, the shepherd king who was a man after God’s own heart.

Where do we find him? On the roof, by himself.

Why is he there? He’s bored because he is not where he should be: at war with his men.

And how does it end? Bad. Really bad. Lust, adultery, and murder, and horrible consequences from these actions.

In other words, his real enemy caught him in the trap of loneliness.

Have you ever noticed how boredom when we’re alone can quickly lead to temptation for us men? When no one is around, and all we have are our own thoughts and feelings, which can easily lead us down the wrong path?

Satan even tried this strategy on Jesus in Matthew 4:1-11.

Up to this point, not much has happened in Jesus’ ministry life except for one thing: His baptism, where the people heard God’s voice declaring Jesus as His Son (Matthew 3:13-17).

What happens next for Jesus?

Forty days of isolation and loneliness in the desert.

Who shows up?

Jesus’ adversary, the devil.

The predator saw his prey and attacked.

How does it end? In all three attempts, Jesus responded to the attacks with verses from the Old Testament that each referenced His Father.

You see, Jesus was never alone. His Father was always with Him. He is always with us, too.

In His goodness, God gave us a great strategy to combat our enemy’s attacks: community.

When our enemy prowls around, he looks for “someone” to devour (1 Peter 5:8). He seeks the isolated one to pick off the herd.

So, stay connected to God and to other men who will be at your side when the predator attacks.

Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for giving us strategies to combat our enemy. Stay close to me, and help me stay connected to good men who will help me and who I can help, too. Amen.

Reflection: Where in your life is a time or place of loneliness where the enemy attacks you? Ask a trusted friend to support you in those times and reach out to them.