Catch the foxes for us,
The little foxes that are ruining the vineyards,
While our vineyards are in blossom.
My beloved is mine, and I am his.
—Song of Songs 2:15-16, NASB

Reflection:
In Song of Songs 2:15, we see the heart in the midst of hesitation. There is a sense of being unwilling to go, yet knowing we should go with the Lord to the mountaintop. Caught in this internal struggle, the cry comes forth: Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that are ruining the vineyards.

In other words, Jesus, I have many little fears and insecurities. The thoughts running through my mind are making me afraid. I need help. I cannot do it alone. The foxes are too crafty, too quick, and too evasive for me to control. Catch them for us, these creatures that are ruining the vineyards. I want to move forward in You, but they are hindering me.

Are there things robbing you of your relationship with God, little foxes, little sins, little habits, little wrong beliefs that seem to get in the way? You can call out to Messiah about them. What a relief to realize we do not have to overcome sins and obstacles by ourselves. We can call out to the Lord, Help me with these insecurities, these fears, these habits, this anxiousness. Help me with these thoughts of lust, greed, selfishness, and anger. We must call out to Yeshua in the steep pathway because there is mercy for us in Him. Hallelujah.

Even in the struggle, the relationship with God can still be growing: while our vineyards are in blossom. What a great statement of faith right in the middle of a very tough season. The heart can still feel alive in God, even when Satan and the forces of darkness are trying to get us to pull back from Jesus. Talk about internal tension. But somehow, from deep within, the foundational, crowning reality of life with God can still be declared with a flash of confidence: My beloved is mine, and I am His.

This perspective makes all the difference. When we fail, too often we criticize ourselves as being rebellious. But rebellion is a heart posture to disobey God and carry out our own desires. That is not the reality or state of sincere believers trying to ascend the steep pathway with Messiah but being hindered by the little foxes of fear and insecurity. There is a difference. Sometimes we are not walking away from the relationship, we just do not think we have the power to obey.

Still, there is danger when we are not willing to jump in with both feet to follow Him. Until the day breaks, until there is more light, until we can see things differently, we may ask the Lord to go on while we stay behind. But Jesus said, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him” (John 14:23). We obey Him because we want to be where He is and abide in Him. When we disobey, a rupture in fellowship is created.

The Hebrew word translated Bether means separation. Separation takes place when fear causes refusal, even when the heart knows the Lord is calling. But beloved, the little foxes do not have to win. Call out to Yeshua. There is mercy for us in Him.

Application:

• Ask Yeshua to catch the little foxes, the fears, habits, insecurities, and wrong beliefs that are hindering your obedience.
• Return to the truth: He is yours, and you are His, even while you are learning to follow Him more fully.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I want to move forward in You, but I need Your help. Catch the little foxes that are ruining the vineyard of my heart. Help me with these insecurities, these fears, these habits, and this anxiousness. Forgive me for the places where fear has caused separation in my fellowship with You. Give me light to see from Your perspective, and grace to obey Your word. I belong to You, and You are mine.