Do The Next Thing

At an old English parsonage down by the sea,
there came in the twilight a message to me.
Its quaint Saxon legend deeply engraven that,
as it seems to me, teaching from heaven.

And all 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 tomorrow, child of the King,
trust that 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.
Do the next thing.

~ Elisabeth Elliot (1926-2015)

2015 Jan 15

O Lord
How long will this be?
The stress that stretch
Till none can fetch
But in you alone I cried
Where my depressed soul hide

O Lord
How long will this be?
The loneliness inside
That by none subside
But your smiling face I gaze
By which this pain I face

O Lord
How long will this be?
The path ahead be clear
Unknown future I fear
But your wisdom and love i trust
However morrow shall past


Psalm 13
How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must i take counsel in my soul, and
    have sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? 

Consider and answer me, O LORD my God;
Light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,
lest my enemy said, "I have prevailed over him",
lest my foes rejoice because i am shaken.

But i have trusted in your steadfast love;
my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
I will sing to the LORD,
because he has dealt bountifully with me.