My Next Right Thing
Whatever situation arises, I try to do the next right thing.
I also try to remember to pause long enough to figure out what the next right thing is.
Before I act.
But even if I patiently and diligently analyze the options, doing what I think is the next right thing doesn’t always work out well.
Why?
Because my thoughts are often controlled by my emotions.
— Should I fight to get my way? That’s typically my first reaction because I want the world to be exactly how I envision it.
— Should I accept the situation without acting? I can easily fear the repercussions of my actions. I don’t want to act because others may retaliate.
— Should I wait and determine how, or if, I want to act? Analysis can lead me to paralysis of action. It’s stunning how much I can overanalyze just about anything.
The Actual Next Right Thing
I’ve learned that the next “right” thing is to do the next “God-directed” thing.
I need to remember to pause long enough to ask God what the next right thing is.
Before I act.
If I patiently and diligently let God help me analyze the options, I will do what He wants. Even if it turns out differently than what I thought, or hoped, it would.
Why?
Because I want my thoughts to be controlled by the peace-giving, all-knowing God.
— I need to remember God fights for me – and always wins.
— I don’t have to be afraid because God is with me and on my side.
— I only have to wait until God lets me know if I need to do something, or if He will take care of it without me acting. I don’t have to obsess and analyze all the options because God has already determined how the situation will be resolved – in His way and His time.
What helps you determine and carry out the next “right” thing to do?
The Next Right Thing — Or Not… What helps you determine the next right thing to do? Share on XJoni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.
May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.
Waiting, letting God fight my battles, and waiting for God to show me the next step… is hard. You nailed it with those options for doing the right thing. Now… If I can only put those into practice. Thank you for all the great, Biblically based, options you share for us to work toward.
Thanks for sharing, Jane. I’m thankful God doesn’t expect perfection – and that I can ask Him for help to do what He wants.
Thanks for this, Joni. Good reminder to pause and pray before we act.
Thank you for reading and commenting, Phyllis. I’m grateful my post was helpful.
I really appreciate this post. Life is often incremental. “Doing the next right thing” is an encouraging way to reach the larger “ wing the right person.”
Thanks for your comments and support, Tim. I appreciate it!