1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

A lion hunts not with the intention to simply cause injury, but to kill. And the devil doesn’t want to just hurt us or disable us; he wants to destroy us completely. He wants to catch us hopeless and fearful on the fringe of the herd, weakened and ignorant of the threat lurking nearby. But a roaring lion is not hidden. His presence is known, and he proclaims himself mighty and one to be feared, and indeed he is dangerous because he will consume us if we’re not careful. He is seeking prey, those who won’t put up much of a fight, those who are easy to take down, those who he can control and use and turn away from God.

Satan is on the hunt, but no matter how brash and cocky he is, our God is greater and more powerful, and He will protect us and give us victory as we look to Him. But we must be careful, watchful, and take the threat seriously. Because it is just at those moments when we let down our guard that the devil comes at us with an ambush, full force, to knock us off our feet and cripple us in our walk with the Lord.

Not only do we need to be aware that an enemy is out there waiting for an opportunity to strike, but we must be prepared to fend off the attacks as they come. We must seek the shelter of the living God, our strong tower of defense. We must be prepared by knowing the truth of God that He gives to us in His Word and use it as a shield to fend off the devil. We must put on the armor of God, trusting in Him to uphold us, trusting His power and ability.

Our enemies can seem fearful if we take them simply at face value. But when we realize that they are conquered foes merely lashing out in desperation, they don’t seem quite as scary. We can take them seriously without being afraid because we have the peace and assurance that comes from resting in Christ. We can’t be prideful and go out into the open and dare Satan to attack us. But nor should we cower in a cave when the One we rely on has gained the victory for us. The devil may go about like a lion, but Jesus is the powerful Lion of Judah who will defend His people and save them from their enemies.