It’s the small foxes that spoil the vine, says Song of Solomon 2:15. When we think of foxes, words like stealth and sly come to mind. Most of us would not entertain a mature or large fox because we are well aware of the damage they can cause. Small ones might be unsuspecting, but they can cause equal, if not more, damage. This very simple piece of wisdom in Song of Solomon 2:15 is a warning to us to be watchful and pay attention to the little things that may seem insignificant at first thought or glance, but can prove to be very destructive if allowed to go unnoticed.

There’s nothing like facing the aggravation of dealing with a big problem that could have been avoided if you had only paid a little more attention. This can happen in our relationships as well. It’s those little details that sometimes mean the most.

Before my youngest daughter goes to sleep at night, she likes to tell me about her day in school. It’s a special time for us, and she loves telling me about her friends, what she learned, and even what she had for lunch. Like any busy mom, I endeavor to get as much done at night as I can, but the opportunity to connect with my daughter is so special. When she’s older, she might not be as eager to share with me as she is at this stage in her life. So I have to recognize that these moments matter most in life, and regardless of how busy my schedule becomes, I have to prioritize this special time with her.

As children of God, we must also remind ourselves to prioritize our relationship with Heavenly Father. Sometimes we place our prayer lives on the backburner. We neglect to pray for others, and we don’t take the time to just fellowship with Heavenly Father. Mark 1:35 tells us that very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus Christ went out to have some alone-time with God and to pray. This was not a onetime deal for Jesus; he made a habit pattern of spending time with Heavenly Father. He recognized that this was the key to having everything else in his life work according to God’s plan.

Jesus had more to accomplish than any of us can fathom, and he had nothing like the modern conveniences that we have today. There were thousands of people depending on him for healing and miracles, and he was prepared to do God’s Will at all times because he kept his relationship with God on point. He didn’t miss those all-important details that sometimes made the difference between life or death. Whether those details were large or small, Jesus kept on top of things. He was always where he needed to be, when he needed to be there.

Every aspect of our lives is impacted beneficially when we stay focused on our relationship with God. And when we don’t, the reverse affect takes place. James 4:8(NLT) says, “Come close to God, and God will come close to you.” God has been and continues to be very patient with us, but it’s time for us to be more attentive to God and not take our relationship with Him for granted. Sometimes, it’s little things that we don’t even give much thought that are causing us to miss the mark. We’re doing other things like spending too much time on the cell or watching TV, and we’re not carving out enough time each day to pray. Details like this are the little foxes that eat all the grapes off our vines and cause mischief and havoc in our lives.

God wants to preserve and prosper us. In 2Chronicles 7:14(NLT), He said, “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” We must make a greater commitment to God. One day a week is not going to cut it. Most of us spend the majority of our time on ourselves and our families and friends, but God is our everything. He is willing and able to bless us. So we must open our eyes, and make sure that we’re making time each day for Him.

Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

“Be Aware of the Small Foxes”, written by Kim Times, edited by Reverend Fran Mack for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2018.  All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.