Doing the Next Thing

I stood in the hallway, only minutes ago, picking up a heap of laundry, thinking of all the things that needed to be done...just felt SO overwhelmed. Felt like I was failing, feeling overwhelmed, wondering what was the most important thing to do next...this poem title came to my mind. I heard this poem read for the first time, I think, by a godly widow that I had met some years ago. She knew what it meant to be overwhelmed, caring for many little ones, without a husband, doing the drudgery of the day, wondering what was the most important thing to do next. She turned to the Savior, and I will too. This poem is a sweet reminder to do the next thing and lean on the Everlasting Arms.

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, 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.