The Foxes in the Vineyard

Every so often I come across a song that ministers to me deeply. I don’t know what the Lord uses to speak to you intimately, but besides His Word, for me, it’s music. It is very easy for me to recall songs from different seasons that carried me, and more often than not, they were actually words from scripture put to song. I like that a lot.

I remember being really into Shane and Shane’s Psalm CD my first year of college without realizing the songs were all actual Psalms. I know, label me flakey. Anyway, it wasn’t rare that I would come across a Psalm and suddenly realize I already had the whole thing memorized because I’d been singing it for years. Things like that make me so happy.

A couple months ago Audrey Assad came out with a new CD that I immediately fell in love with. (If you’ve not heard any of her music, you’re missing out on an angelic blessing.) Two songs in particular I played over and over and over again and, to this day haven’t grown weary of them. In fact, the more I listen to them the more they make my heart swell. It’s these two songs that I’ve listened to in some dark and lonely moments that have brought me back to the goodness of who God is.

The first song I heard off of that CD and clung to for dear life was Good To Me.

I’ll pause and give you a minute to go download it on iTunes. (I promise you won’t be disappointed. And if you are, let me know and I’ll pay you back that 0.99 cents.)

Side note: I just realized you are able to listen and download the song here. You’re welcome. (And that’s straight from Audrey’s website, in case you are skeptical of that.)

And if you needed any more convincing, here are the lyrics. Let them soak into your soul.

I put all my hope in the truth of Your promise
And I steady my heart on the ground of Your goodness
When I’m bowed down with sorrow I will lift up Your name
And the foxes in the vineyard will not steal my joy

Because You are good to me, good to me

I lift up my eyes to the hills where my help is found
Your voice fills the night – raise my head up to hear the sound
Though fires burn all around me I will praise You, my God
And the foxes in the vineyard will not steal my joy

Because You are good to me, good to me

Your goodness and mercy shall follow me
All my life
I will trust in Your promise

I’m not exaggerating when I tell you that it took me one listen to fall completely in love with this song, but I’ll readily admit that although I could pinpoint the obvious scripture references, I was confused by the foxes in the vineyard stealing my joy.

Some of you might immediately recall that reference, but me? Not so much. If you’re anything like me, you appreciate song lyrics, but more than that, you want to know what they mean and what you’re singing, so I looked it up.

And that’s when I came across this word picture:

“Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes, that ruin the vineyards–for our vineyard is in bloom.” Song of Songs 2:15 (NET)

Since Song of Songs isn’t my go-to book these days, it’s no surprise that I found that reference hidden in there. I don’t pretend to be a scholar and am certain I’ll never be labeled as one, but I have to believe that although I’m not married, because this is found in scriptures, it applies to me just as much as it would apply to anyone.

Because those foxes? They represent all the little hindrances and obstacles that threaten to sabotage my relationship with Christ. They restrain, restrict and put up barriers between Jesus and me. I can only imagine the foxes that sneak up on marriages. Or relationships.  Or families.  Or neighborhoods.  Or churches, for heaven’s sake!

Jealousy, envy, discord, anger, bitterness, insecurity, anxiety, lust, discouragement, hatred and the list could go on and on.

If we don’t continually nip them in the bud, the foxes will seek to spoil the growing fruitful vineyards.

What are your foxes? Last week I sat down, and besides the obvious circumstances I can’t control that threaten to steal my joy (and oftentimes they do), I listed out each of the foxes I’ve let in my vineyard. The things I do have control over because of Christ in me. It was amazing the difference it made in my week. Declaring out loud those ugly flaws. I dare us to ask the Lord to deliver us from them, ask the Lord to catch them before they can ruin one grape. Before they can pounce on you at the first sign of any good fruit.

Deliver us, Lord. Let not one fox steal our joy, because YOU, God are so good to us.

In the words of a very wise Bible study teacher, Joy Cometh!

Amen.

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93 Responses to “The Foxes in the Vineyard”

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Comments:

  1. 1
    christina says:

    I know and love that song too. Thank you for sharing your train of thought from that one phrase and reminding me how good those lyrics are. Little foxes, yes. Sometimes lives and relationships deteriorate from the cumulative effect of those little foxes. That too is part of the “work of the devil” Jesus came to destroy, as Mama Beth mentioned in the SSMT post yesterday, don’t you think? Jesus died to break the hold of the “little” sins as well as the “big” ones.

    (On a lighter note but not at all intending to detract from your post, every time I see the words “nip it/them in the bud” I hear Don Knotts as Barney Fife saying that phrase. Anyone else who grew up with Andy Griffith Show reruns have that problem?)

    May the Lord make His companionship sweet and real to you in this holiday season, sweet Lindsee.

    • 1.1
      Marita says:

      Christina:
      Funny! I can hear Don Knotts saying that too.
      “Nip it, Nip it in the bud.”

      Blessings and thanks for making me smile,
      Marita

    • 1.2
      Shelly Elston says:

      I totally think of Don Knotts, too, Christina! Loved him! So glad we are able to enjoy him in re-runs and movis.

    • 1.3
      Jill says:

      Oh yes Christina, I too, love Andy Griffith and especially Barney Fife. Barney would get wound up and say, ” Andy!!!!! We have to nip it, nip it in the bud. NIP IT!! NIP IT!!!” There are so many great Barney stories. Barney singing in the choir was just a hoot.

      Little foxes can sure creep up on us, can’t they. It is a daily battle.

  2. 2
    BARBARA JEAN says:

    Beautiful Lindsey, and just what I needed today. I did go out and listen to Audrey Assad’s song and I love it! I will be purchasing this so I can hear it over and over.
    God bless you dear and your service to Him.

  3. 3
    Tammy Cosby says:

    Tammy/Siloam NC….John 3:30 He must become greater; I must become less. (NIV)

  4. 4
    Marita says:

    Thank you Lindsey.
    Great thoughts. I love the challenge of listing our foxes each week. Oh my! It’s a little scary.

    Thank you for the challenge of accountablity in my walk.
    Blessings,
    Marita

  5. 5
    Crissy Wright says:

    I hadn’t heard this song and I’m so grateful to you for sharing. More than ever, I need this reminder.

  6. 6
    Laura says:

    Love love love! Right when I saw the blog post title, I knew you must have discovered Audrey Assad and this amazing song. I am telling you, download EVERYTHING she has on iTunes. You will not be disappointed. I have seriously spent most of 2013 listening to her and I am still obsessed. Her songs are truly prayers and I listen to them and the Scriptures. So encouraging!

    God bless Lindsee!

    • 6.1
      Lindsee says:

      Laura! I agree. I have nearly all of her CD’s. Fortunate Fall might be one of my favorites. So encouraging, indeed!

  7. 7
    Ellie says:

    Wow…what a blessing this post was to me today. I had never heard of Audrey Assad but now I’m a fan – the song “Good to Me” is so wonderful. Thank you for sharing.

  8. 8
    Beth says:

    Beautiful and timely, sweet Lindsee! Keep sharing and writing authentically….it draws people to Jesus.

  9. 9
    Lori Feeler says:

    Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
    For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
    And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

  10. 10
    Natalie Dawes says:

    I too love that song…the whole album is a gift. Audrey sang with Paul Baloche at our church in Calgary, Canada not long ago. So awesome!

    Thank you for the reminder not to let the foxes run wild.

    God bless!

  11. 11
    Melissa says:

    Lindsee,

    So needed to hear this. Thank you. I have not heard this song before but I too, fell in love on the first listen. I am praying with you that the foxes would not spoil the fruit in our vineyards.

    This will change my month. In Jesus name.

    In the words of one of my friends, “keep making a difference.”

  12. 12
    Jane says:

    Thank you, Lindsee. I am facing surgery next week – a thyroidectomy.. a new word for me. There is a good chance of cancer. I can’t explain it, but I have no fear… I guess I can explain it.. “You are good to me!” The song is absolutely beautiful and has bless me greatly. Thank you for sharing.

    • 12.1
      Lindsee says:

      I’m praying for you right now, Jane. That the ugly “c” word wouldn’t rear it’s ugly head over you, in Jesus’ name. Blessings to you, Sister!

  13. 13
    Pam Nelson says:

    Lindsee,

    Awesome! And Come Thou Fount is one of my favorite hymns.
    Thanks!

  14. 14
    Lauren says:

    Dear Lindsee,

    This is a WORD for me today. (And btw, I had just posted a link to “Good to Me” on Thanksgiving Day last week on my facebook. Love this song, love the words, love Audrey Assad.) I have some serious foxes running around (and a couple in particular) trying to eat the first buds of fruit they can find on my vine. (I’ve also been doing a study in Song of Solomon by Mike Bickle for the past 7 or 8 months with a small group of amazing women in my city. So your post overlaps with what God has already been speaking to me through that, too. Oh, and I’m 34 and still very single, so I relate with you on that one, too.)

    Thank you and bless you. The exercise you mentioned having done last week is one I plan to do this week. Jesus, come, be Lord of my whole vineyard.

    Thank you, sister, for sharing with us.
    Lauren

  15. 15
    colleen says:

    Thank-you for introducing me to this song & Audrey Assad….just incredible. Pierces….I soooo needed this truth. I’ve been in an absolute downtrodden doubt. So very thankful for this post. Blessings to you, Lindsee!! I’ve posted her song on my fb page. 🙂

  16. 16
    Cary says:

    I am not sure why; although, I plan to ask for further revelation, but this blog has touched me deeply. I feel I need to really dig into the truths you’ve shared. I have notheard song yet. You can download on your laptop or pc. Nevertheless, the lyrics were enough to convict.
    Thank you for being open and sharing your heart.
    Merry Christmas dear sister.

  17. 17
    Debby says:

    Thank you for sharing this .. Doctors found a mass on my liver last week which thankfully has turned out to be benign / but waiting on the doctors recommendations this morning … And this song has really ministered to me this morning !!! Thank you

  18. 18
    Shelly Elston says:

    Darling Lindsee,

    I absolutely LOVE every single song on that Audrey Assad CD. Her voice truly is angelic. It soothes my soul and makes me so happy just to listen to it. Thank you for sharing where that particular phrase comes from in Scripture because I had no idea. I love it! It’s going to be underlined in my Bible the second I finish typing this entry.

    Music has always been huge in my life and so I can completely relate to what you posted. Hearing a particular song is like my own personal time machine. Songs can literally transport me to another place and time. So, when they are a combination if song and scripture I feel like I’ve been given a double portion of joy.

    Have a fabulous day! You are such a blessing. xo

  19. 19
    Christiana says:

    Very nice Lindsee. I,too,identify with music. A couple of months ago, In prayer the Lord spoke to me about jackals. I then saw a youtube video of Tori Amos singing live “Song Of Solomon Improv” during a weird fashion show. The song was very powerful…I read all of that book in an evening and read about foxes. I couldn’t find any references to jackals in the bible, but for a couple of weeks, synced in with God, there were numerous foxes and jackal occurances. I assume they are one and the same…or have the same meaning. The foxes/ jackels in my life represent rejection, humiliation, and torment.
    Thank you for sharing what the Lord is showing you…it certainly confirms in my spirit what the Lord wants me to recognize and be healed from.

    V

  20. 20
    Mindy vG says:

    Living in Munich & a friend shared Audrey with me last year. I fell in love with her music. That song especially moved me as well…so much so that I had to gift the album to a few dear friends. Music DOES minister to our spirits doesn’t it? I agree..hearts swelling with comfort & joy & hope…play on!

  21. 21
    Leelee says:

    Those words speak very loudly to me in this very hour. I also love music that carries me through and I can recall the ones I’ve cried to, smiled to, and even yelled at the top of my lungs to:) My sprint loves to worship The Lord in all seasons regardless of how I feel. I am so thankful for the people who write them for us! I will be downloading that song!

  22. 22
    Elaine says:

    Lindsee ~ I absolutely LOVE this ~ I can relate to so much in this post. He definitely speaks to me through music….some days I just can’t stop listening! (“Mercy Tree” by Lacey Sturm is the one that most recently gripped me.) And, I also think Audrey Assad is one of the most gifted musicians I’ve ever heard ~ angelic blessing was a perfect way to describe her.
    And, about those foxes….oh my! They can get in the vineyard before we know what’s happened. That scripture paints such a visual for me.
    My iTunes account now has a little less credit on it and Audrey Assad is currently on replay 🙂

  23. 23
    Lynne Henkel says:

    Ha! God is so good to me in His provisions! I just read Song of Songs last night before bed and knew the Scriptures of the little foxes. I am single and dearly want to be married one day, I use the Song of Songs as a love song from my Husband in Christ to get me through the weary moments of singleness. I prayed last night that God open my eyes afresh to the verses of this particular book and once a again He used Living Proof to breath new life into His Word! I will be on the look out for the little foxes in my vineyards and for this CD!!! God Bless!

    • 23.1
      Lindsee says:

      I love when the Lord weaves themes together and confirms things for us we didn’t know to ask for. Bless you, Lynne!

      • Emily Brewer Miceli says:

        Dear Lynne & Lindsee,

        All through my single adult years (married at 40), Song of Solomon helped me. Jesus really is your bridegroom. I cannot relate the joyful and holy intimacy I experienced with Jesus through Song of Solomon. Bernard of Clarivaux wrote some mind-blowing sermons on it that feed my soul to this day. My friend Aleona Isakova captured it beautifully in her artwork as an allegory between the soul and Jesus. I encourage you to drink deeply of this book’s beauty in your slow dance with Jesus. The amazing lyrics and music on Kate Miner’s album, Sacred, are also excellent for experiencing that deep, deep intimacy with our Bridegroom.

        And thank you, for the reminder about those foxes! That exhortation was well-timed indeed!

        Blessings, little sisters!

  24. 24
  25. 25
    Barbara Head says:

    Lindsee, This post spoke very deeply to me. Although, I will admit that there is NOT a musical bone in my body, I am into the dramatic. Drama was my major in college. This post reminded me of a play I participated in in college. “The Little Foxes” and this name was taken from this very bible reference. We do let in to our minds and hearts many “little foxes” to spoil the henhouse. I am praying today to listen to the Lord through His beautiful Psalms and make music a part of my life! Thank you

  26. 26
    Pam Seipp says:

    Pam in Texas

    Thank you, recognizing that we all have “foxes” helps me be comfortable with knowing that I must always work to “rid” them from controlling my life.

  27. 27
    Misty Ansted says:

    Oh how this ministered to me today Lindsee! Praising God for using this ministry to help answer prayers I’ve been praying. Definitely asking God to catch the foxes and show me how I am willingly letting them into my garden!

  28. 28
    Nena says:

    Thank you so much! You definitely do NOT owe me .99. I have some nasty foxes that I am working on, and praying diligently to get them out of my joyful little vineyard. Thank you for reminding me I need to trust more in God’s promises. 🙂

  29. 29
    Lindsey Burton says:

    I am currently dealing with these little things that have been stealing my joy for 3 days now! Every where I turn there they are, church, home, work it almost brings me to tears. Sometimes I literally feel like I’m suffocating and stressed. I’m a fairly new christian so I am still learning to cry out. I am asking for prayers to get through this time, I know it is hard for my husband. Thanks in advance!

  30. 30
    Kelly S says:

    Lindsee,
    I just read this after receiving bad news. Thanking God for His timing and for your beautiful words. Buying that song now! Love you and thank you!!

    Kelly

  31. 31
    StacieHope365 says:

    Amen Lindsee!!!

  32. 32

    Thank you for your post, Lindsee. Any time I cross this verse, I am always reminded that the little foxes do not spoil the grapes, but the very vine. We so often think of a sin affecting a certain part of our life, like our prayer life or our witness, but the truth is that it is eating away at our very source of nourishment and slowly destroyig our fruit, as well as the fruit God intends to yield in our lives. I needed this reminder, today. Thanks again, friend.

  33. 33
    Mary G says:

    Hi Lindsee,
    Your right, the words of that song are very beautiful and so true. Ive spent my morning clinging to the One that is the center of my joy. Praying for His healing, that He would steady my heart while I’m riding what seems to be a rollercoaster right now. Came very close to a bad accident lastnight here in Minnesota as my car spun out of control because of icy roads and so grateful for His protection in making my way safely home. Was suppose to meet with the surgeon today after a growth was found possibly malignant.
    Staying off the roads and rescheduled for next week, but hard to wait. I know He holds me in the palm of His hand and that’s where I’ll stay. Thanks for sharing, you encouraged my heart today. Blessings to you.

    • 33.1
      Lindsee says:

      Mary, grateful to God for your protection. God knows, God sees, God cares. Praying peace over you and a CLEAR report next week. He IS holding you so closely. Many blessings your way!

      • Mary G. says:

        Dear Lindsee,
        What a sweet encouragement you are. I hesitate to put this clarification as the last thing I want to be is high maintenance, but unfortunately I won’t know anything next week. It’s to meet with surgeon, schedule the biopsy and make a plan. The growth I have is something that grows into cancer very fast so the sooner I get rid of it the better. But ya’ know what the really great part is… I know in my heart of hearts and take comfort in knowing God already knows what this is and He already has a plan in place. Thanks for your prayers. They mean more than you know.

  34. 34
    Judy from Clarks Hill says:

    Thank you Lindsee for recommending Audrey Assad. what a great voice. The reference to Psalm 121 particularly caught my eye as my small group is doing the Songs of Ascents using Beth’s study and Eugene Peterson. Good to me says SO much more than just the Psalm.

    Again, great post and thanks for sharing.

  35. 35
    Ola says:

    God is SO good! And I am in tears as I write this. Lately, everytime I see something I want (not even need) I start dealing with the temptation that God is not good, I know it’s a lie but I keep struggling to fight off these thoughts. Today as I was being tempted to go down that road while on a shopping website, I thought to myself…”if being on here is going to feed my discontent, then I need to close this right now and concentrate on something that’s going to point me towards the goodness of God” then I clicked off that website and typed in Livingproof.org, I found my way to the blog and read this post! I started crying! I don’t deserve this mercy and this favor but thank you God for bringing me here today!!!!! I am a member of the siesta scripture but have not been here for a while and today was my day to return! Thank you for this post and thank you Lord Jesus for your goodness to me!

  36. 36
    Amy says:

    Oh sister, I just want to hug you. Thank you for this post. I’ve loved Audrey’s music a long time, but just sat for a few minutes and let those words sink deep today. I’m going through one of the most difficult seasons of life I’ve faced and the enemy so desperately wants me to believe that God is not good in the valley. BUT HE IS! I want to find a pair of punching gloves and just throw a few punches while declaring “The foxes in the vineyard WILL NOT steal my joy!” 🙂 Thanks for sharing your heart with us.

  37. 37
    Jennifer Robinson says:

    Jennifer, Dallas TX “For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Matthew 7:14 NASB

  38. 38
    Tara says:

    Thanks, Lindsee! You said you had two favorites from Audrey…what is your other one?

    • 38.1
      Lindsee says:

      Hi Tara, I actually meant to put that in the post. But it is “I Shall Not Want”. You will be ministered to by both, no doubt!

  39. 39
    Emma Joy says:

    Thank you very much for this post. It’s true that many “foxes” try to steal away our joy and hinder us from growing in our walk with the Lord.

    Please check out my blog which has articles on a variety of topics including: “Self Esteem”, “Women”, “The Importance of Family”, “God’s word”, “Purity”, “Is Jesus the Only Way?”, “Trials and Hardship”, “About Pornography”, and “Homosexuality”.

    http://babypinkroses.blogspot.com/

    I am also having a giveaway for the month of December that people can sign up for until the 16th and I will announce the winner the following day.

    http://babypinkroses.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html

    Thanks so much!

  40. 40
    lynda rickey says:

    Okay Lindsee, needed the reminder to protect the ground that I have taken back from the devil. Can’t let those little foxes sneak in and steal the harvest. Jesus is so very faithful and merciful to me and I won’t let selfishness, pride, arrogance or anxiety blind me to that fact. God is indeed good. Love us babe! L

  41. 41
    Tanis says:

    Thank you for your message Lindsee. It has blessed me today. Praise God.

    The song is beautiful and a good reminder that He is good to me.

  42. 42
    Linda Malloy says:

    “Know ye that the Lord, he is God; it is he that hath made us and not we ourselves. We are his people and the sheep of his pasture “. Psalm 100:3 KJV

  43. 43
    susan says:

    Susan from Greensburg:

    “Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart. Wait, I say, on the LORD”
    Psalm 27: 14 NKJV

  44. 44
    Alisa Beets says:

    Water for the soul sweet Lindsee! Water for MY soul. . . Again, VERY TIMELY post. Thank you for ministering!

    Alisa :0)

  45. 45
    Tanya says:

    Hi Lindsee–thanks for this. It is timely. I have often–very often–and am here again–shooting down the foxes. People are so mean. When you yearn for a real relationship and a real friend and people are mean. And the greatest meanness is just simply that they don’t care. I can count on one hand who in my life I know cares. And its so hard to carry on–going to church is a big one–or dropping my girl off at anyone in her families house–or going home for christmas where rejection runs rampant–but I keep doing it because I believe God. Its hard. Checking my offense and my pride and at the same time trying to learn to walk in dignity as a worthwhile person (I actually am–God made it that way but I have a worthwhile life too. Once my only value was what God said it was–now it is also demonstrable.) I find that to stand strong and keep the foxes out I am best to keep my mouth shut. I don’t mean just gossip. I mean just about everthing. Cause then people run their mouths and out jumps a mean little thing that wants to chew up the dignity I’m learning to walk in. Oiwwee. Want relationships but they self destruct. I live alone and alone is how I live. Its the only way. Got the Lord and a small few. And what I don’t say well I write well (you be the judge)… so I won’t have many ties in this world when I leave behind but my baby will have all that I ever learned and wrote. And going along she will have me. And thats the best vineyard I’ve found. 🙂 Let the foxes destroy the rest. Mama bear don’t let foxes hurt her baby!

  46. 46
    Sarah Black says:

    I love you, and I love Audrey Assad, and I love this post. This was JUST what I needed to read this morning… and can I just say I’m glad we’re friends because so few people “get” how deeply music speaks to me? 😉 Thank you for allowing the Lord to speak through you…you are such a blessing!

  47. 47
    Jill says:

    Thank you! This is exactly what I needed to hear and be reminded of today. You are a blessing to me!

  48. 48
    Carolyn, Idaho says:

    What a blessing! This note comes from someone who doesn’t consider herself a “blogger”! My responses began with this year’s SSMT, and I’m so grateful that I signed up for these emails. I will check out the song, and even without it, the scripture reference with its parallels and possibilities is “worth the price of admission,” so to speak…. 🙂

  49. 49
    Kim, Redlands, CA says:

    Colossians 3:12-14 NIV

    Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

  50. 50
    Kathy Peacock says:

    Wow! I am doing the bible study “Jesus, The One and Only” that Beth wrote and just studying the “thorns” — distractions that Satan tries to rob our joy and peace with in Day 5 of Week 4. I thank God and sweet Jesus for this word from you and this song that speaks to me from Him! How good is He and how blessed am I to know Him:))))!

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