My friend and maid of honor called me recently to tell me a story. She told me about a fox in her yard and how it killed one of her chickens. Interestingly enough, before she left the house, she told me about a heavy feeling in the pit of her stomach. Instead of closing the door to the chicken coop, she had left it open, thinking she’d be back in time for dusk.
She wasn’t.
When she got back home about twenty minutes later, the fox had already claimed the head of another chicken.
What do chickens and foxes have to do with marriage? My friend’s story reminds me of a verse in Song of Solomon:
“Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom” (Song of Solomon 2:15).
I told her I’d be praying for her and the sinister presence that “little” fox brought into their home that night.
Believe it or not—God is stronger than any evil presence, no matter little or big the size.
I love how God used the story of the fox and a dead chicken to teach me about my own marriage. My husband Marc and I have been married for a year and (almost) a half. Although we’re newlyweds, the honeymoon phase has ended. From the outside looking in, things seem fine, until one of us forgets to close the door and lets in a “little” fox.
Distractions in Marriage
Every couple can become distracted by one thing or another, whether it is time, money, work, family, or relationships. There are many things that require attention, and on any given day there’s work to accomplish, bills to pay, chores to complete, and meals to prepare. Not to mention all the little things like phone calls, text messages, emails, and other interruptions.
If you’re not careful what little time you have for your significant other—the rest will be taken away.
For example, my husband and I are having issues with our home. We’ve had a lot of extra expenses that have added up pretty quickly. That vacation we planned to take this summer? Can’t do it anymore. That garden we wanted to plant? Not going to happen.
Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
In faith I ask God to fulfill His promises and replace those things which the locusts have eaten or the foxes have killed; i.e.- the unexpected or daily interruptions of life that can hurt our family. It may take time, and new distractions may present themselves, but it doesn’t have to ruin the vineyards of my marriage.
Maybe I didn’t catch the water heater in time for it to burst and cause water damage. Maybe I have to postpone that planned vacation until next year. The good news is I still have a home and a warm place to sleep at night.
Relationships Take Work
My honeymoon ended the night of our wedding, when somebody gave me and Marc the flu. Talk about worst timing ever. Instead of letting it get the best of us, we waited a few more days until we felt better, and then left for the mountains.
Even so, I remember crying out to God asking Him to remove the hurt I felt. I had waited for my wedding night for so long, and if I had let my emotions get the best of me I could have let it steal more than just my joy. That’s what the enemy would have wanted.
John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
I believe God wants to bless you and your relationships.
In life, it’s easy to judge other couples based on how they appear on the outside, instead of taking the time to get to know what’s going on inside their lives and their home.
Every relationship takes work, and by God’s design every couple is afforded the same grace. Instead of wishing you were like this couple, or thanking God you’re not like that couple—take some time to do inventory on your own relationships.
If you’re married, pray for your spouse. Set up some time to talk, really talk about things that are important and matter.
If you’re single, pray for your future spouse that he or she would stand strong and not give in to temptation.
Our relationships are a blessing from God—something we should take very seriously—even when it comes to the little things.
Don’t let the enemy gain a foothold (Ephesians 4:26-27). Choose today to close the door and put an end to temptation. Your honeymoon might be over (thank God, no more flu), but your relationship has just begun!
“My lover is mine and I am his.” Song of Solomon 2:16
