It’s funny how a small thing can become a big irritant. A splinter in the thumb, an eyelash in the eye, or a blister on the toe – all can disrupt your sense of peace and rest. So it is spiritually. It doesn’t take much for your intimate life with Christ to be upset or disrupted. The Bible calls these intimacy killers “little foxes.”
You must catch the troubling foxes,
Song of Solomon 2:15*
those sly little foxes that hinder our relationship.
For they raid our budding vineyard of love
to ruin what I’ve planted within you.
Will you catch them and remove them for me?
We will do it together.
Jesus calls
Just before this verse, the bridegroom calls the bride to come away with Him, “O my dove, in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the cliff, let me see your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely” (Song 2:14). Do you know how much Jesus longs to see you, to be with you, and to talk to you? His love for you took Him all the way to the cross. That same love invites you to a life of rich, sweet intimacy with Him.
Maybe you wonder why foxes are used to describe hindrances to intimacy? Perhaps it’s because these little creatures can destroy a vineyard in more than one way. Foxes are known to eat the grapes and leaves, gnaw at the branches, or dig holes that can kill the tender roots. What are your little foxes? What is it that eats away at, gnaws on, or tries to kill sweet communion with the lover of your soul?
Never outfoxed
No matter what plagues your vineyard, you mustn’t despair. Do you imagine that Jesus would call you to a love relationship with Him then leave you alone to figure out how to cultivate that relationship? Never! Look again at the last line from Song 2:15 (above). The Passion Translation says, “We will do it together.” Never forget, there is an “us” not just a “you” in the fight against disruptive little foxes.
But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.
John 14:26**
When Jesus left the earth He made sure you had a partner, a helper, an advocate, and a powerful ally. When an unconfessed sin, unresolved problem, or niggling fear keeps you out of Jesus’ presence, stop and ask for help. The Holy Spirit stands ready to reveal and eradicate every blockage to intimacy. You were never meant to go it alone.
Just ask!
Arthur W. Pink said, “Most Christians expect little from God, ask little, and therefore receive little and are content with little.” Let it not be said of you. If you need help, ask for it. Quiet your restless soul and listen to Him say, “I have not left you alone. Let’s get rid of the little foxes. We will do it together!”
When we pray for the Spirit’s help . . . we will simply fall down at the Lord’s feet in our weakness. There we will find the victory and power that comes from His love.
Andrew Murray
*The Passion Translation © 2022 BroadStreet® Publishing Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved **Amplified Bible Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation
All rights reserved www.lockman.org
**Amplified Bible Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation
All rights reserved www.lockman.org
This is so timely for me. A bout with Covid and a general malaise afterward made time with the Lord feel like climbing Mt Everest I definitely felt like I had to dig myself out without a thought of asking Him to help me get back where I was. Thank you!!
Thanks so much for the encouragement Marcia. I’m right with you in wondering why I so often forget to ask for help when I’m struggling. I have to remind myself often that, “He’s right here, right now, right with me!”
very timely for me as well. Just had sent an email response I’ve been avoiding for over a week due to a little fox that really was a bother! So good to read this afterwards to put words to my dilemma!
Pam,
Don’t you love it when God gives us help, answers, or clarification from unexpected places? I’m so glad He helped you with one of your little foxes.
Tamara