What to Do When You’re Overwhelmed

It’s easy to be overwhelmed right now by information overload and the weight of the world. There’s a lot going on in and around our lives that we weren’t meant to take on alone. So what can we do if we know we should do something, but we can’t do it all? Just do the next thing.

Elisabeth Elliot made this anonymous poem popular that has encouraged many saints through weary seasons:

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.

Edith

Contributor at WAY Nation

Originally from Oklahoma and Arkansas, she’s a now a Colorado transplant by marriage. Edith is a chronic over committer with a dry sense of humor who will take a meal with a friend over any outdoor activity.