Do The Next Thing

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Sometimes our minds are so overwhelmed with all that we are called to do.  It can be so hard to know where to focus next.  This encouraging poem comes to my mind when my brain locks up from flipping through the files too much.  This poem is not Scripture! The author is unknown.  However, it leads my mind to many Scriptures as I stop and refocus on what is the next task in front of me.  I am reminded to not just do a task to check it off my list, but to do it as befits a task assigned to me by the Creator and Sustainer of my life. It reminds me to trace His hand in all of the events of life and rest in His power, knowing He will oversee the results.  It brings me comfort in times of stress and I hope it will bring a moment of encouragement and peace into your life as well.


Do the Next Thing

From an old English parsonage down by the sea
There came in the twilight a message for 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.

(source unknown)

💓 Heather Sparks💓

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