“Catch the foxes for us,
The little foxes
That spoil the
vineyards,
For our vineyards are
in blossom”
It’s been another hard week:
from issues with prodigals to broken hearted loved ones; to
excruciating headaches and friends enduring great loss; to recurring “mom guilt”
“wife guilt” and now even “friend guilt”, a list of household projects - a mile
long and growing. The perceived deficit of
time and energy is daily propagated. So daily grows the volume of bills to pay, conversations to initiate and administrative
tasks to complete. Concerns for my children as they've entered adulthood have increased exponentially rather than subside as I naievely anticipated. “It’s been another hard week“ is a five-word, trivial, understated assessment of the last
seven days.
A group conversation at the onset of the week affirmed what
I already knew to be true – I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE in the proverbial weeds. Most of my friends and family members have expressed
similar pressures in recent days. Along
with others, I’ve acknowledged that if only one or two issues existed – then we’d
be better able to manage the calendar, clock and conflict. However, we all feel under attack with
multiple issues in every facet of life.
(I didn’t even mention hormones, car or internet issues – but hey, they
are not to be discounted as they add a layer of complexity uniquely problematic!)
So, as one who routinely looks for the “good” in everything –
I’m still doing so and clinging to those silver linings, but with the sheer
volume of “life stuff” – it has been a bit more challenging to realign my attitude. Last week, in a group discussion regarding “life
stuff”, someone mentioned “it’s the little foxes that eat the vines.” This passage didn’t stand out to me. Now I know it was not by chance that I
researched this text – it really spoke to me.
Foxes are:
·
Found in deserts, but also in leafy vineyards
·
They are cute, fast, and little – because of
their small size they’re not taken seriously
·
Described as crafty, carnivorous, cunning and
active
·
Destructive to vines
·
Dwell in holes or underbrush so they can be hard
to detect
·
Scripturally Illustrative of:
o
False prophets
o
Cunning and deceitful people
o
Enemies of the church (Song of Solomon 2:15)
Many of the “life scenarios” mentioned above are "Little
foxes” in effect - likely to
distract, discourage, and set up for an attack. However, they serve as a reminder of our
need for diligence, intentionality, and steadfast pursuit of time
with the Lord. (Not just talking to Him, or boldly “casting our cares” onto Him; but actively
listening to Him while resting in His presence and His promises.)
Let’s face it, the busier we are and the more distractions that
come our way, our temptation will be to take shortcuts (I confess – GUILTY!). The
truth of the matter is that it’s in these times we especially need to make time
with the Lord a priority. Those little
distractions may simply be the enemy’s way of trying to rob us of the fruitful
lives we are free to experience when we abide in the Vine of Christ.
(Since foxes exist in the
desert and also in plush, green vineyards – it seems logical that we are subject
to their wiles whether in a desert place or in a place of plenty. No one is exempt.)
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by
itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
(John 15:4)
"Outfoxing the foxes" leads to recapturing joy, peace, order, proper focus and a fruitful life.
Once you’ve written every concern on paper, review the list.
For each item listed, ask yourself “is
there something I can do about this? If
so, create an “action item” to be completed later. If there is nothing literally to be done
about a situation, write out a simple prayer.
This basic exercise has guarded against
distraction throughout an extended time of prayer. This
process has also been beneficial by keeping issues and my appropriate response
in perspective.
