Do you have foxtail weeds where you live? They are one of the worst weed pests ever. They cling to pants, dig into sock and shoes, burrow deep in a pet’s fur, and become a general nuisance. If you aren’t careful to get every last one from your socks before they go in the wash, the pokey little beasts can end up anywhere in your clothing. 

Every year, we mow and cut the weeds down before they have the chance to put on the heads, but what happens then? They grow closer to the ground, so low the mower won’t touch them, and still put out the pointy seeds that travel everywhere.

These invasive weeds remind me of the foxes in the Bible. 

“…Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines….” Song of Songs 2:15 (NKJV) 

What do foxes have to do with vines or grapes? It turns out that the foxes mentioned here are small and sneak into vineyards. Sometimes, they eat the grapes, but they also destroy the vines and branches, wreaking havoc on the plants. The foxes hide in holes and are hard to find. Yet, for the health of the vineyard, they must be destroyed.

What do foxes and foxtails have in common then? They both sneak in where they aren’t wanted. They are both small and cause damage or harm. They are both difficult to find and eradicate. 

In our lives, those foxes can come in many forms. A bit of gossip. Seems harmless, but it isn’t. Gossip is rampant in the world and in the Christian community. Even in the guise of prayer, people spread gossip. When that happens, all who hear that prayer request carry away a little fox that can spread damage to them and to others they come in contact with. Be careful what you say even in prayer or asking for prayer.

“You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people…” Leviticus 19:16 (NKJV)

Another fox that comes to mind: Doubts. About ourselves, others, or even God’s love. Doubt creeps in unwanted and burrows deep inside us. We question if we are loved. We question if we are worthy. We question whether others even care about us. These foxes are always there hiding and popping up when we least expect. Yet, there is hope to be rid of them. Hope that comes from praising and trusting God.

^“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him Forthe help of His countenance.” Psalm 42:5 (NKJV)

There are so many little foxes that invade our lives. Pride. Anger. Jealousy. Materialism. The love of money. And the list goes on.

I’m sure you recognize those foxes and can think of more than I can list here. They slip into our lives and try to destroy our connection to Christ. They steal our fruit. They burrow deep and sometimes are hard to root out. Sometimes, they feel as if they’ve always been there and we deserve those negative thoughts. Not true. Pray about them and pluck those foxes or foxtails from your life—or allow God to do so.

Both foxes and foxtails can be annoying to deal with, but we must remember to keep our connection to the true vine, Jesus Christ. When we are rid of the foxes, we have that strong connection to the vine and are able to do what He has called us to do.

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:4-5 (NKJV)