What in the world could a conversation between two ancient lovers have to do with frustrations in my daily life? I believe quite a lot.
In chapter 2 of the Song of Solomon, King Solomon’s bride ask him to,
“Catch the foxes for us,
the little foxes
that spoil the vineyards,
for our vineyards are in blossom.”
While she was most probably imploring Solomon to watch out for and remove the obstacles to their developing relationship, she highlights a truth that carries over to much of what we do in missions–that is, it isn’t the big “in your face” attacks that derail us, it’s the little daily inconveniences that get us off track.
A couple has cross words just as they are walking out of the door for work. A young professional woman endures another annoying slight from her boss. Your child misses the bus (again). Car trouble (again). An airline strike causes you to miss an important meeting. A stomach bug prevents a young man you met at the gym from connecting over coffee. A husband or wife leaves town to meet with a ministry leader only to receive a call within minutes that his or her son has fallen and broken his arm. And, the list goes on.
None of these seem like “make or break” types of challenges. And, the truth is, they aren’t. However, they can be just enough to cause us to lose focus and miss out on God’s best–especially when they pile up.
When we encounter “in your face” spiritual opposition, we know what to do. It’s clear this is an attack, and we know we need to do spiritual warfare. We pray, we fast, and we ask others to join us as we ask God for a breakthrough. These are the proverbial lions and bears. They’re big, ugly, and hungry, and we know they want to kill us. But, who’s afraid of a fox?
The Bible makes several references to foxes. More than a danger, they’re sneaky and a nuisance. However, it’s these daily aggravations, some more serious than others, that can steal our joy. No, we don’t look for the devil behind every bush. However, it has been my experience (both in my life and in those who I have observed) that the enemy often sneaks in rather than roaring at the door.
So, what do we need to do to prevent the foxes of inconvenience, frustrations, and worries, from stealing our joy? Here are a few suggestions.
- Remember that everything is spiritual. This reality doesn’t mean that every inconvenience is a spiritual attack, but it does mean that our reaction to it determines whether or not we will walk forward in victory.
- Avoid quick “feel good” responses. Posting something sarcastic on social media or texting a friend, may give you an endorphin rush, but they won’t help in the long run, and they may hurt if your filter wasn’t working well at the moment.
- Let worship be your go-to response. Weariness and worry bow the knee to worship.
- Stop, drop, and pray. You remember the admonition to “stop, drop, and roll,” as it relates to putting out a fire on your body. Well, put out these fires by taking everything to the Father in prayer.
- Make sure you’re properly dressed. The “helmet of salvation” will guard your mind in times like these and the “shield of faith” can prevent those dangerous “fiery darts” from finding their mark in your heart.
By the way, you don’t have to be involved in pioneer missions to benefit from this approach. Wink!