Next is the word prompt for Five Minute Friday this week. Do you ever find yourself wondering what to do? I remember Elisabeth Elliot saying, “Do the next thing.” But what if you don’t know what that is? I suggest that prayer is a good place to start.
If I remember correctly, it was Edith Schaeffer who said if you don’t know what your next step is, just keep doing what you are currently doing. Of course she also was a praying woman and encouraged others to take time to pray.
What if we are tired of doing the same thing all the time? Maybe we are feeling overwhelmed. We might feel stuck and see no way out. How do we handle that?
It’s so easy for me to just start complaining and wishing things were different. But all that does is put me in a worse mood and pulls in anyone else around. So it’s like a dark cloud falls over the house.
Have a Thankful Heart
But when I stop looking at myself and all the things I don’t like, my attitude changes. When I look to Jesus and remember all He’s done for me, my eyes are open to what is good. I begin to give thanks for the blessings I do see in my life.
When I go through my days with a thankful heart, I am happier and my mood is positive. That also rubs off on those around me and the dark cloud begins to lift.
My time has ended, but I wanted to tack on these few paragraphs I wrote at an earlier time. Whenever we don’t know what to do or when we do know, it always helps to pray asking God for wisdom, strength and courage. He will enable us to take the next step, to trust Him and be thankful.
Prayer Helps in Any Circumstance
We need daily time in prayer. In addition we need to read and contemplate His word, letting it soak into the core of ourselves. I’m not saying that we have to set aside long periods of time each day. Most of us don’t have the luxury of that much time.
Often we have to just send up a quick distress call when we find ourselves overwhelmed. We can also say a quick prayer of gratitude throughout the day.
God is always available any time of the day or night. He never sleeps and is faithful.
Here’s a quick prayer I wrote to help me in times when I feel overwhelmed.
We never have to fear the next thing, even if we can’t see very far ahead. Our Father in heaven knows all our needs and will always be with us.
Psalm 46:1 (CSB)
God is our refuge and strength,
a helper who is always found
in times of trouble.
I am linking up with: #FiveMinuteFriday, #Grace&Truth, #InspireMeMonday, #HeartEncouragement
Yes our father will always be there for us!
Amen! Blessings to you, dear Tara! xo
So grateful for prayer-our lifeline to Jesus.
Yes, prayer is so important! Blessings to you, Nancy!
So lovely!
Thank you, Karrilee. Blessings to you!
I am so very thankful that “we need never fear the next thing,” because of Jesus! Thank you for these precious words today, Gayl. I can so easily give in to complaining also, but when I stop to whisper a prayer, He really does show me how much He cares. May you have a Blessed Easter weekend! Love and hugs!! xoxo
Thank you, as always, for your sweet encouragement and your prayers, dear Bettie. Jesus really does care so much. May you also have a blessed Easter weekend. Hugs and much love! xoxo
visiting via FMF, prayer is key. I was reminded about that the other day with an issue I am dealing with. Needing to remember to talk to God about it.
Yes, it’s so important to remember to talk to God about any and everything. I don’t know why it’s so hard to remember sometimes. Thanks so much for visiting. Blessings to you! May God give you wisdom and discernment!
Yes Gayl, He is there for us..no matter what the situation is!
Amen! Blessings to you, Athira!
Amen. So thankful we can talk to and listen to God through every moment of our day. He is so near, offering His grace for our every step ❤. Love your prayer in that heart. So good.
Yes, I am thankful, too, Anna. His grace and mercy are so strong for us. Blessings and love to you! xoxo
This is good Gayle. Prayer lets me know where to focus and what to do next.
Thank you! Yes, prayer helps so much. Blessings to you!
I love Ps. 46:1 that God is my refuge and strength! Bless you and your writing.
Thank you, Pam. Yes, He is our refuge and our strength. Blessings to you! Thank you for visiting.
Yes Gayl, prayer is always a good idea & the best go too! He will guide & direct us. Great post!
He is Risen!
Bless you,
Jennifer
Yes, He will always guide. We need to be open to His leading and prayer certainly helps us do that. Blessings to you, Jennifer! Christ is risen! Hallelujah!
Gayl, these are good words for me, in all my hurry and feverishness!
And I remember hearing Elisabeth Elliot say those wise words. Thanks for encouraging me to enter into prayer as my “next thing” when I’m wondering what that next thing should be.
Yes, it helps to remember to go to prayer first, but we so often forget, don’t we? Blessings to you, dear Michele!
It definitely helps to know that when we’re not sure what to do we can ask God and he promises to direct our steps.
I totally agree, Lesley! Blessings to you!