It’s raining……..again!
It’s raining outside…..again! The clouds and pouring rain reflect my mood as well as the mood of many in our nation.
From a Supreme Court decision, to burning churches, to more murders of innocent children by ISIS, to shark attacks and just dealing with everyday life stuff like leaking pipes………. I am overwhelmed with making decisions and getting things done.
We all have stuff to deal with and sometimes the “to do” list can be rather ominous especially when the world around us seems to be spinning out of control.
Years ago as a young pastor’s wife I was introduced to the writing of Elisabeth Elliot, wife to Jim Elliot, martyr for the sake of the gospel. Her books have influenced me more than any other author. She recently went home to her Heavenly Father.
So today as the rain and bad news come pouring down, I will remember the lessons Elisabeth Elliot taught me through this anonymous poem published in her book, Be Still My Soul.
Do The Next Thing
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
Sometimes the next thing is just calling the repairman for the leaking pipes or sweeping the floor of the kitchen or changing a dirty diaper. Other times doing the next thing is hitting my knees and calling out to the Lord for my family, my church family and our nation. And always the next thing is being thankful for His faithfulness, His goodness, and His sovereignty even when my world is spinning out of control.
So as it pours rain on the 4th of July, when I wanted my next thing to be swimming in the pool with the kids, I will do the next thing by choosing joy in the rain!
What is your next thing??
