Do the Next Thing

I first encountered the advice to “do the next thing,” from writer Elisabeth Elliot on her radio program Gateway to Joy.

Elisabeth explained that we often find ourselves at a crossroads, not sure what to do next.

In my case at the time, that involved an overwhelming amount of laundry, demands from children, a busy husband, desire to write, chores and greater family obligations.

“When you’re not sure what to do next,” she advised, “pray, look around you and do the next logical thing.”

What great advice!

It’s helpful advice if you’re a procrastinator–not because of laziness, but out of too many tasks demanding action. How do you choose?

According to Elisabeth, God gave us a brain and a job to do. Why not ask Him which one He suggests we do?

I’ve used the concept ever since.

(It also works well when your boss gives you a list of things to accomplish for the day. I’ve learned to ask, “Can you put them in order of importance?” I’ve never had a boss say no.)

An Oswald Chambers concept

Elisabeth Elliot was an Oswald Chambers fan, so it came as no surprise to me when I encountered him saying the same thing.

The February 17 reading from My Utmost for His Highest includes the line:

When the Spirit of God comes He does not give us visions; He tells us to do the most ordinary things conceivable. . . .

The inspiration which comes to us in this way is an initiative against depression; we have to do the next thing and to do it in the inspiration of God. “

This is not exactly the same concept except for those who get in a dither about what to do next–and then don’t do anything.

When people in this situation reach the end of the day, they’re often discouraged they accomplished nothing.

Oswald’s advice, to do the most ordinary things or the one most in want of doing, is a step against depression because it encourages folks to start.

Simple? Yes.

Does if work?

Overcoming inertia often requires a small action simply to get things moving. Even having just one small success can redeem a day.

Susie Spurgeon

Reverend Charles Spurgeon’s widow Susie, also knew this concept. In Ten Years After! the story of her life following her husband’s death, she recounted how she overcame her initial grief:

When I returned from Mentone [where Charles Spurgeon died in January 1892] to my beautiful but desolate home . . . wondering what the Lord would do with me . . . I found that to “do the next thing” was earnestly to set to work at the Book Fund.”

In this case, Susie returned to the task she’d already spent years doing: preparing boxes of books to be donated to poor preachers throughout England.

The task filled her days for the rest of her life and accomplished much good for not just the pastors, but also for their congregations.

While she grieved Charles’ death in Victorian severity, she did not lock herself away from ministry. For the remaining ten years of her life, she served God with a relatively simple task that reaped enormous spiritual results.

But where did the idea to “do the next thing” come from?

All three of the above seem to have found inspiration in an old poem, whose original author I’ve not been able to determine.

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: “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, and guidance are given.
Fear not tomorrows, child of the King,
Thrust 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 results, doe the nexte thynge

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, doe the nexte thynge.

How do I do the next thing?

I learned long ago to obey Elisabeth Elliot!

When I’m flummoxed and uncertain about my next actions, I close my eyes and pray. (Much like King Hezekiah did in 2 Kings 19:14, though rarely in such dire circumstances!)

I tell Him what I know and ask Him to make my way clear.

Then I say “amen,” open my eyes, look around and just do the next logical thing–whether it’s cooking dinner, folding laundry or even taking a walk.

Often, the most simple activity–the one that hardly seems important–makes all the difference in the world.

What’s stopping you?

Tweetables

What does it mean to “do the next thing?” Click to Tweet

Where did the concept originate of “doing the next thing” when you’re procrastinating? Click to Tweet

What plan of action did Susie Spurgeon, Oswald Chambers, and Elisabeth Elliot, all appreciate? Click to Tweet