Over the past few days I have talked, mostly by phone, with many people. There is no question that what we are experiencing today is unprecedented. 

When I make calls now, I introduce myself, and say that I’m calling to say that I’m praying for them and their community. I don’t ask for anything. I don’t even ask for their vote. At this time, I believe that the best thing we can do is to be as positive and encouraging as we can be.

I listened to a message from last Sunday by David Jeremiah on Facing Coronavirus. He provided some practical Biblical points about facing fear. 

In his message, he shared a poem which was referenced by Elisabeth Elliot in sharing her story. Her husband was Jim Elliot who was speared to death in 1956 along with 4 other missionaries in Ecuador while sharing the gospel to the natives.

Elisabeth returned to continue the work and saw many from the tribe, including those who killed her husband, come to Christ. In her testimony, she referenced an old poem entitled, “Do the Next Thing.” 

The main point of the poem is to take a simple step in trust and faith. It is so easy to be overwhelmed with the immediate impossibility of solving the Coronavirus and become paralyzed. 

Psalm 37 contains a repeated command, “Do not fret.” In verse 8 the Psalmist gives a consequence, “Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing.”

Jesus made the same point when he talked about worry and asked a simple rhetorical question, “Who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:27)

I thought about the simple “next thing” that I could do. One of those was to do what I do regularly – put out my American flag. 

What does that have to do with a public health issue? For one thing it reminds me of our national motto, “In God We Trust.” If it does nothing else, that is more than enough for me. 

If you find yourself feeling anxious or worried. There is a “next thing” for you. 

Stop and pray, make a phone call, write a card, send a text or e-mail, post something positive on social media. Whatever that next thing is, then don’t think about how it won’t make any difference. 

It will make a difference, even if only to you. The truth is that it will make a bigger difference than you may ever know. 

If you want to listen to the message by David Jeremiah and read the short poem, “Do the Next Thing,” you can find the link to the message and the text of the poem at the bottom of this message. 

Thank you for taking a moment to read this. Now, whatever it is for you, even if it seems insignificant, do the next thing.    

Message by David Jeremiah, you can watch and listen here.  
DO THE NEXT THING
Author unknown
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: “DO THE NEXT THING.”

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,
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.
Stayed on Omnipotence, safe ‘neath His wing,
Leave all results, do the next thing.

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, do the next thing.

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