Joy in listening for the next thing…

 

Years ago a friend and I attended a women’s conference featuring a well-known Christian missionary and author as the main speaker. At lunchtime, I suggested to my friend that we sit at an empty table and see who joined us. Long story short, that speaker sat at our table.

During lively conversation, someone asked her how she managed to get so much done in her busy life. She replied, “I just do the next thing — and I alway know what it is.”

This response told me that she also listened to the Holy Spirit for His instruction. From personal experience, I know that my old nature is not always that clear about what to do next. I can be easily confused or distracted, but when the Spirit is in charge, then her words made complete sense.

Today’s reading agrees. It says my part is simple; all I need to do is trust the Lord and follow what He says. He decides my day — when I wake up, the interruptions and interaction with others, who calls, and so on. I don’t have to plan.

However, this is not 100% for there are times when the “next thing” is planning. This move is one example. With so many boxes to unpack and decisions to make about what to keep and what to pass along, we didn’t sleep well. Too much on our minds. The Spirit gave me a solution: every night, write a plan for the next day, including regular activities such as worship, devotions and prayer, exercise, and even a menu for supper. It works. I know tomorrow before my head hits the pillow and do not need to stew about it then or when I wake in the middle of the night.

This is not the same as ‘taking matters into my own hands’ because doing this happens with a listening ear. Even though the Lord usually leads me with one step at a time, for this problem in life, He takes me ahead so I can rest. What a lovely Shepherd. I can rest in His plan and get things done without stressing over what is not yet done. There is no fear in following the leading of Jesus, for He is just as the psalmist wrote:

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23:1–6)

This beloved psalm is often repeated yet living it provides a great experience. It uses words like not wanting and lying down, being restored, glorifying Him by righeous living, no fear even of death, being with me, being comforted by His protection and correction, overflowing blessing, goodness and mercy, and being with Him always. And most of all, finding these things true as I listen and do the next thing. His leading and control of my life is a blessing almost beyond description. With Him:

Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall make a name for the Lord, an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.” (Isaiah 55:13)
Then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert…. And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. (Isaiah 35:6; 10)

PRAY: Lord, these days have been physically exhausting, yet rest for my soul. You know how to get things done without stress or feeling as if the burden is too great. With so much to do, I’d normally be anxious, yet listening to You for “the next thing” has deeply made a difference. I look around me at the order appearing out of chaos and bless Your wisdom and grace for allowing me to trust and follow You, and to do it with joy. Thank You.