the next thing.

Sometimes, life is so hard you can only do the next thing.

Whatever that is, just do the next thing.

God will meet you there.  

- Elisabeth Elliot

I don't really even think that life has to be hard for this to be true, but I think when life IS hard, it is especially true.  I know with the tough stuff of the last few months, sometimes that was all we could do, just get to the next thing ... fix the next meal, return the next phone call, make it through the funeral, clean out one closet, finish one project, meet one new person.  However, even when life is good, we have to slow down the whirlwind and once again, just do the next thing.  I think this is the way God intends it.  He so wants our hearts and our lives moving in step with Him.  Not behind.  Not in front.  Just matching Him step for step as HE gets us to the next thing.

I am still in love with the imagery in Psalms of God's Word being a lamp unto our feet.  Someone once explained that that small oil lamp that would have been used at that time would have given JUST enough light to take the next step.  Light's mostly like that.  Our headlights get us just another few feet.  Our porch lights let us see just beyond the entry.  God's Word and His guidance give us just enough light to do the next thing.

I've been thinking today of one night when a couple of us were picking the brain of an older, wiser, more seasoned campus minister.  I don't remember the exact question we asked her, but I will always remember her answer.  She said, "If I had to think about brushing myself everyday for the rest of my life, I would be overwhelmed.  So I don't.  I just live today."

The last few night's I've woken up with my mind spinning about what if's and future ... mostly about renting/selling my house.  I've really never been too afraid of anything (except my Mom's cancer) but the past few months I've found myself almost immobilized with fears about the future (and the present).  I mean, being a grown up with a house, mortgage, stuff to fix, wills to do, decisions to make.  It's entirely overrated!  I've been trying to pray my way back into  trusting God with all of these things that I have no control over.  I'm trying to look at the NEXT thing and enjoy the thing where I am.  It's hard some days.  But I know the truth ...

God has not given us a spirit of fear.
Trust in Him, don't lean on YOU.
The One who calls you is faithful and HE will do it.
Don't worry about tomorrow.
He cares for ME!
Jehovah Jireh is our provider.
The unchanging God who delivered the Israelites out of Egypt, parted the Red Sea, put Jonah in the belly of a fish, created the universe, raised Jesus from the dead ... it's HIS power at work in my life!
Don't be stupid.  After beginning in the spirit, don't try to do things in the flesh!

For me the NEXT thing tonight was to rehearse the truth I know and to rejoice in a good week and to be thankful for all of God's provisions ... even in the tough times!