Life Through Poetry

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, 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 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, do the next thing.

Author Unknown, but poem made famous by Elisabeth Elliot

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