You Can Only Do Your Next

The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey. Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, for the LORD is holding his hand. Psalm 37:23 -24 Brian Translation

I knew when the words came out of my mouth, they meant more than just the next sentence. I was talking with someone who was feeling overwhelmed with all of the responsibilities, task, decisions, and “things” that had to be done. I simply responded, “you can only do your next”.

It is true that you can continue thinking, worrying, and contemplating what lies before you. BUT your next action is your next. For many that action is to continue to speak of all that overwhelms. It is a type of rehearsing, hoping to organize the tasks or even prioritize them. The reality is they have chosen their next to be enforcing their overwhelmness with words. 

Others shut down. Instead of taking a next step of action, they take the next step of paralysis. They don’t make the call, they don’t talk to the person, they don’t address the issue, or they don’t engage. It could be fear or overload. But they have chosen to withdraw as their next step.

I want to encourage you today to rejoice in the smallness of controlling your next action. For some, it may be as easy as taking a long deep breath. You did that. With all that is before you, you were able to slow down everything to taking a breath and enjoying it. You are training your mind and body to return to rest. It becomes easier to hear God and decide what the “next” step is that you will take when you return to peace.

For others, you may need to take out a piece of paper and write down the top ten things that are overwhelming you. Ask the Lord to help you organize what you should do next in priority. Some things you will not be able to address today. But the baby crying, would be the first on the list. It’s not the baby crying, but you choosing to attend to them that you are controlling.

In the Psalm, David does not say that every step is without failure for verse 24 talks about falling. Why?  Because God is holding his hand. You see, all of the overwhelmness is still being supported by God’s presence and guidance. He is NOT going to let go of your hand no matter how wobbly your next step is. He will not let you stray too far to the right or the left. HE IS HOLDING YOUR HAND right now and tonight and tomorrow.

Thank the Lord that you are in control of your next action. Breathe. Give thanks to God. Trust He is leading you. Laugh. Know that He is delighting in the journey with you. There is a path forward for you, even if you do not see it now. It is trusting in your next step that you take with HIM holding your hand.

So, pick your foot up, move it forward, and put it down. Congratulations, you have taken the next step in the right direction for your life. Enjoy the journey.

Blessings Love Y’all