I Samuel 26:1
‘Then the Ziphites came to Saul at Gibeah, saying, “Is David not keeping himself hidden on the hill of Hachilah, which is opposite Jeshimon?”’
Saul has long since stopped following God's voice, but here we see others giving information to harm David. This could be prompted by themselves or the devil could be inspiring them.
The same will happen to us. Our own nature can lead us astray, but the dark side of others could be the origination. If from the evil one, it could be considered one of his fiery darts (Ephesians 6:16). Since the beginning the devil has sought to lead people astray. He lied to Eve and Adam in the garden. That led the entire population into a state of sin. This was his greatest triumph and God's frustration and hurt.
We have to be careful with the suggestions of others. They could be innocent or evil in their intent. But we need to weigh the advice. I Thessalonians 5:21 says to "Test all things and to hold fast to that which is good."
If it's contrary to scripture, unloving or unwise it's to be tossed. Another factor is does it disturb the peace of God within? If so, it's a caution sign and we are to wait or don't do it. That door may open later. Go through the same process, if so.
The devil's goal is to hurt God and His plans. We see with Job that hurting people is one of his aims. He would love to destroy us in a single blow, but God keeps him at bay. Our choices diminish those barriers. Whenever we go against God or His Word, we are removing God's protection. Substances also remove barriers.
In God's conversation about Job, the devil complained of a hedge around him. That was God's protection. When in Christ, we also have that protection. The Lord does allow some disruption, but it's for the purpose of our growth. He may allow the devil to toss a deterence which sets us a degree off course. Nothing too noticeable, but over time we are way off. If we are in tune with Christ, He will invite us to get back on track.
Another satanic attack was mentioned earlier which was the fiery darts. A thought or temptation presents itself. That could very well be of the devil. It may shake us off our sobriety or good place. When stuck in the lure of temptation it's difficult to get out of it. Calling a friend or radically changing the subject can help. Falling into temptation is usually our fault. We were careless or pushed something too far.
The Lord's Prayer says, "and lead us not into temptation". We are to always be in a state of prayer. Paul called it, "Praying without ceasing", (I Thessalonians 5:17). This doesn't mean we are always on our knees, but to keep the communication with God open. We should be talking to Him always. So, as we sense temptation, run and pray. It also means that we understand how weak and vulnerable we are so we should be asking God to keep us from temptation.
This is a crazy world. Some seek our hurt. We can't let that make us bitter. If so, we become like them and don't care for others. We bring those negative feelings to God. As we grow in Christ we understand that cycle. That could have been us. We become merciful and can pray, "Lord, don't hold that sin against them".
Lord, thank You for the hedge. You've protected us more than we know. Help us to grow in love, even though there are those who seek our hurt. Help us to be better, not bitter.