“Do The Next Thing”

Excellent or Praiseworthy is posted on Monday and Thursday nights.

Editor’s Note:  On the morning of June 15th, 2015, I awakened with this news from Elisabeth Elliot’s husband, Lars Gren, posted on her webpage:  “We rejoice for Elisabeth that she is home with her Lord as of 6:15 am, June 15, 2015. Thank you for your prayers and messages of comfort.”  Her webpage (ElisabethElliot.org) also included this truth, which I had experienced through many years of listening to her “Gateway to Joy” radio program:  “Elisabeth Elliot was one of the most influential Christian women of our time. For a half century, her best selling books, timeless teachings and courageous faith have influenced believers and seekers of Jesus Christ throughout the world. She used her experiences as a daughter, wife, mother, widow, and missionary to bring the message of Christ to countless women and men around the world.”  I thank God for her, and hope you are encouraged by this message which she shared often with her listeners.

The LORD delights in the way of the man whose steps He has made firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with His hand. — Psalm 37:23

This is a crazy time in my life—probably in yours, too, especially if you are dealing with deployment. There is more going on than I can wrap my mind around. At times like this I sometimes don’t know what to do. And then a voice, Elisabeth Elliot’s voice, comes into my mind saying: “Do the next thing.” How many times did I hear her read this poem on her radio program, “Gateway to Joy”?  Many, I recall. I believe she used to say that it was passed on to her from her mother, one of those anonymous poems that speaks truth to our souls and keeps us going. It’s simple wisdom—for deployment days and stressful days and days of restlessness.

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, it seems to me, teaching from Heaven.
And on through the doors 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, and 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 results, do the next thing.

Looking for Jesus, ever serener,
Working or suffering, be they 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.

Carry on. God is with you. . . He is sovereign. . . He loves you and is faithful. Do the next thing. I will, too.

Questions to Share:

1. How does this poem speak to you today?

2. Is there someone you know who is overwhelmed with whom you could share this word of encouragement?