The profound simplicity of this ancient poem offers timeless wisdom to answer the nagging question, “What should I do?”
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.”
- Author unknown
Living With Eternal Intentionality®
“He leadeth me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” (Psalm 23: 3).
“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
What aspect of this poem stands out to you?
How could the admonition “Do the Next Thing” make a difference in the common feeling of being overwhelmed?
