Ever have those kinds of days when your to-do list is longer than your day?
That’s been the case for me lately as I carry more tasks over to the next day than I’m crossing off my list. And, maybe you can relate – as the list grows longer, the threat of feeling overwhelmed becomes more real.
It’s no surprise given the busy days, that four little words from Joni Eareckson Tada resonated with me as they did. In a recent “Joni and Friends” radio program, she shared these words of advice to those feeling overwhelmed or discouraged: Do the next thing.
The words are from a poem by Elisabeth Elliot, a missionary who served the very Amazon tribal people who murdered her husband. Joni refers to Elisabeth as “one of the great saints who have suffered and suffered well.” As Joni shares from Philippians, 3:12, it’s all about straining toward the goal: “I press on to make the high calling of knowing Jesus as my own because Christ Jesus has made me His own.”
Though there are many encouraging phrases in the poem, here’s my personal favorite:
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.
(Read the entire poem on the radio page of Joni’s web site – you might even consider posting it your station web site to encourage your listeners.)
As Joni shares from a saint who knew discouragement,
When you’re in pain or suffering, it’s tempting to just let go, give up, and cave in. But friend, today I encourage you to press on – keep moving forward and do the next thing. Look to Jesus and let His dear presence be your rest.
(Contact me at lee@ambaa.com to share these encouraging radio reminders from Joni with your listeners!)
