The Foxes of the Mind

“Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom” (Song of Solomon 2:15, NIV).

Do you struggle with controlling your thoughts? The lack of self-control of your thoughts does not begin when a large problem suddenly comes your way. It begins with letting the little doubts, worries, and small concerns add up. You become so burdened with these accumulated little “foxes” that the vineyard of your mind produces fear instead of faith. Fear controls you. The little “foxes” you fear grow out of proportion. Then when you are faced with a real, large and overwhelming problem, the faith you need to trust God has flown. Your mind is all over the map.

“We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ,” Paul instructs (2 Corinthians 10:5b). If anything begins to worry you in the least way, deal with before it grows and overwhelms your mind. Stop and pray. Don't speak your doubt. Bring it immediately to God before you do anything else. Rise up off your knees and leave that initial thought of worry with the Lord (Philippians 4:6-7). Determine and mentally decide to give your thoughts to the Holy Spirit. Nip those little worries in the bud before they grow out of control in your mind. Exercising faith is like exercising your body. If you don't do it, your mind will atrophy, and your faith will be weak. Exercise your faith, and train your mind to focus on the Lord. Faith will replace fear with perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3).

You are the Lord's vineyard, and to produce good fruit, you must surrender your mind and allow Him to take care of those little foxes that destroy. Never allow any little worry or doubt to grow out of control. If you do, then your actions will not be determined by the Holy Spirit, but controlled by your run away thoughts of fear. His desire to bring forth the greatest faith in your life. Allow Him to prune your mind, and bring you to full harvest.