Doe the Nexte Thynge

Elisabeth Elliot often uses the phrase, "Do the next thing." It's from a poem she found pasted on a page of her mother's prayer notebook. She said it was comforting to her during all kinds of circumstances, especially the ones that leaned toward self pity, times that often paralyze us.

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 hours the quiet words ring
Like a low inspiration: "DOE THE NEXTE THYNGE."

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, doe the nexte thynge.

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, doe the nexte thynge.

Looking to Jesus, ever serener,
Working or suffering, be the demeanor;
In His dear presence, the rest of His calm,
The light of His countenance be they psalm,
Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing.
Then, as He beckons thee, doe the nexte thynge.