How do you get your arms around the piles of laundry, the stacks of paper, and the refrigerator that needs cleaning out, again?
How do you get your heart around the build-up of heartaches, the losses, and the struggles that have accompanied season after season?
When the things that must be addressed in your life seem much bigger than your time or energy…or your faith, there is but one choice: TRUST GOD and DO THE NEXT THING.
Elizabeth Elliot quoted this poem sometime back. My dear friend, Kara, wrote about this perspective on her blog. As I wrestle daily with the overwhelmingly grand task of raising a family and caring fo a home…as I grapple with the reconstruction the Lord is doing in my heart and mind…this little poem of unknown origin encourages me time and time again. I pray this spurs you on today, weary friend, and puts lightness in your tread as you take the next step.
Do The Next Thing
From an old English parsonage, down by the sea
There came in the twilight a message to me;
Its quaint Saxon legend, deeply engraven,
Hath, as it seems to me, teaching from Heaven.
And on through the hours the quiet words ring
Like a low inspiration–”DO THE NEXT THING.”
Many a question, many of fear,
Many a doubt, hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment, let down from Heaven,
Time, opportunity, guidance, are given.
Fear not tomorrows, Child of the King,
Trust them with Jesus, “DO THE NEXT THING.”
Do it immediately; do it with prayer;
Do it reliantly, casting all care;
Do it with reverence, tracing His Hand
Who placed it before thee with earnest command.
Stayed on Omnipotence, safe ‘neath His wing,
Leave all resultings, “DO THE NEXT THING.”
Looking to Jesus, ever serener,
(Working or suffering) be thy demeanor,
In His dear presence, the rest of His calm,
The light of His countenance be thy psalm,
Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing,
Then, as He beckons thee, “DO THE NEXT THING.”
-author unknown
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I can’t tell you how much I needed this today. I’m tired and a little unsure of myself in a new season of life. But I know that I can (must!) trust in Jesus and do the next thing.
I’m so glad this ministered to you as it does me! I need this reminder regularly! Thanks for dropping by, Darlena.
I’m a new reader and mama, every single thing you post is exactly what I need to hear. THIS POST has blessed my heart today. Thank you for writing it!
Great reminders today Ruth. I always need them, but particularly now with baby coming, Christmas, home, and Hubby finishing up the semester. Sometimes we must just press on and then look back and think, “Wow. I can’t believe he did this through me.” I am so thankful for his overwhelming grace.
Thank you so much – so needed this on a Saturday morning with so much too do.
SOOO) needed to read this again this morning sweet friend.
Maybe we can talk later….many thoughts to ramble to you?
Love, K