The Next Right Thing

“Do the next right thing” has lyrics in a Frozen song, a book, a podcast and a helpful mantra in recovery rooms. I remember hearing it first from missionary Elisabeth Elliott. She helped bring the 1897 poem to my attention. Have you read the whole thing? Here is 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, 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 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.
 

• What phrase or image means the most to you?

• What description of Jesus means the most to you?

• Where in your life do you need to simply step out in faith and “do the next thing”?

JUDY