When even the wealth of books to read feels overwhelming,
When the clutter threatens to take over the living room and overflows the closets,
When the to-do list exceeds a single sticky note,
When the creative juices boil over the sides of the days onto a hot burner and add one more thing and it all just seems too much,...
In better moments, I remember Elisabeth Elliot's voice speaking into the mess that is me, saying simply,
Do the next thing.And I remember that I don't have to have the whole week planned out, or even the whole day. I remember all the times I thought I knew the plan, and God laughed and tore it up and gave something better (maybe harder, but by faith I will say better).
Taking a deep breath, I scan the list and ask my Master, "Okay, what's next?" I do that one thing, and ask again, and do the next thing, and ask again, and do the next next thing, and so forth until the next thing is bed and sleep.
It doesn't all get done, but all He wants is done, and His grace is sufficient for the done and the undone alike. Besides, the Lord God doesn't desire my productivity as much as He desires me, my trust, and my abiding moment-by-moment in Him.
Elisabeth's byword came to her by means of a poem which she would often read on her radio program, "Gateway to Joy." Often that one sentence is enough for me, but here is the complete poem for those who would like it.
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 questioning, many a 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
Sharing for the first time today with the Soli Deo Gloria community. Thanks to Jen for hosting and to Brandee for introducing me to Jen!
