“One day at a time sweet Jesus, that’s all I’m asking of You. Just give me the strength to do everyday what I have to do.” lyrics by Meriam Bellina
Currently, I have friends and family members who’s lives are in turmoil. Every day brings a new wave of stress and distress. There’s seldom a break in the fray and the future looks dim. Depression is often a bedfellow. Paranoia and paralysis are closing in.
How do we respond to friends and family members when they’re going through hell on earth?
First, we empathize with them. As deeply and sincerely as possible, try to feel as they are feeling, and offer words of comfort.
Secondly, we pray with them when we’re together and for them when we’re away.
Thirdly—and this must be said at the right time and in the right way—I give this advice: “Do what’s in front of you and then do the next thing.”
Elizabeth Elliott, Christian author and speaker, said it this way, “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.”
The next thing might be something simple and ordinary: unload the dishwasher, get out of bed, read a book, take a walk. Or, the next thing may be more strategic: apply for a job, go to church, tackle a problem head on, initiate a difficult but necessary conversation.
Just keep moving in the right direction; even baby steps are helpful. You can’t steer a bicycle unless it’s moving, so keep moving.
Often, you will be the one who is stuck, so say to yourself, “I’m going to do what’s in front of me and then do the next thing.” It’s a simple, almost simplistic strategy, but sometimes it’s just enough to get us unstuck and moving in the right direction.
Thank you, Don. As usual, great wisdom and advice.
Joel, thanks for kind and encouraging words. Don
With overwhelm, I have often hearkened back to Elisabeth Elliot writing, “Do the next thing.” Another good axiom: “Stop giving yourself reasons why you can’t and start giving yourself reasons why you can. ” (Source unknown) And when it comes down to it, “I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [Who infuses inner strength into me] . . .” Phil. 4:13 AMP
Thanks, Don! It’s been a season of increased labor and details, accompanied by computer and other mechanical “helps” freaking out.
Sharon, I’m sorry to hear of your difficult season. Hang in there and “do the next thing.” Elliot’s quote is terrific. Take care, Don
Put on some praise music and worship our Great God weather you feel like it or not. Guaranteed to improve your outlook even if the circumstances are still there.
Jackie, that’s good advice. Thanks for taking the time to respond to my posts. Don
Love this proven advice. We all get in hard trials. Family and friends difficult relationships are common. Life brings us face to face with trials and circumstances we may never dreamed of, or anticipated showing up in our quiet lives. Not my fault? Lotsa’ trials are not from our actions. I have learned no matter what reasons caused us to be in hard places, there is relief in just “doing the next thing”. Maybe it keeps us from feeling entirely like a victim.
brings
Kay, you are spot-on. “In this life there will be many trials”; some of our own making, others we inherit. Thanks for taking the time to respond. Don
Somebody sent me “Eat The Frog” years ago. Last week during the stay-at-home ice storm, I found those words echoing – and I acted on them. I was productive! The message is much the same as yours, but more targeted: There are several things on your list that need to be done. Do the one that you least want to do first (eat the frog) and everything else is easy. I thing you’d enjoy the simple message of Eat The Frog. :o)
Daniel, I love that phrase “eat the frog.” It good advice that will deter procrastination. Thanks for responding to my posts. Don