Do the Next Right Thing
Anxiety seems to be on the rise—especially among Gen Z. Many believe that COVID contributed to the high numbers. But let’s face it–it’s easy for any of us, no matter what our age, to become overwhelmed with the challenges in life. The question is, how do we manage this unwanted propensity? Perhaps the key is to Do the Next Right Thing.
Breaking it Down
With our recent move, I saw firsthand how I responded to the enormous tasks of house buying, selling, and moving to a new community. I wish I could say that I sailed gracefully through the process. Unfortunately, I often struggled to manage stress and fears.
From the onset, I found that controlling my unruly emotions was necessary before I could tackle decisions. Once I found a calmer space, I could break down my massive to-do lists into more manageable pieces. A tiny win, like completing a simple task, gave me a sense of accomplishment. This produced the energy and confidence to lean into the more urgent issues. With this pattern, I slowly made progress.
Too Many Choices
While in the process of moving, I listened to the book, The Next Right Thing: A Simple, Soulful Practice for Making Life Decisions by Emily P. Freeman. https://emilypfreeman.com/next-right-thing-book/
In this practical book, Emily says to stop worrying about making perfect decisions, (an area I struggle with). Instead, she suggests focusing on the immediate step right in front of us. Undoubtedly, we are confronted with too many choices in life. But a posture of breathing, listening, and trusting, helps quiet our anxiety. Emily gently directs us to seek God’s help in navigating how to Do the Next Right Thing, one step at a time.
Joseph’s Dilemma
In the gospel of Matthew, we find Joseph facing a difficult choice in the story of Jesus’ birth. In Matthew 1:18-21, Joseph finds out that Mary, his fiancé, is pregnant. Joseph knows he isn’t the father. He feels betrayed, hurt, and confused. How should he respond?
Here’s how the story goes:
The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way. After his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant from the Holy Spirit.
So, her husband, Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly.
But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife. What has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:18-21
Joseph’s Response
Joseph couldn’t see the whole story. Yet, he still needed to act. Thankfully, Joseph paused. He listened. And when God spoke in a dream, he chose obedience over self-protection. Joseph chose courage over fear. He chose trust over understanding.
Joseph did The Next Right Thing.
…and the next…
and the next.
Do the Next Right Thing
Like Joseph, I don’t have a roadmap. But similarly, I serve the God of the universe who knows all things and wants to journey with me through life’s decisions.
So, when fear threatens to paralyze.
When decisions feel impossibly heavy.
When anxiety whispers worst-case scenarios.
I need to stop, breathe, and ask God for wisdom and direction and Do the Next Right Thing.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, show me how to navigate the challenges of life. May I not get stuck in fear but allow You to lead and guide as I attempt to Do the Next Right Thing. Amen.
Questions to Consider
- What difficult task or decision is before you today?
- Whose voice are you listening to for direction and comfort?
- How do you keep fear and anxiety at a distance as you face decisions?
