Boast In The Lord January 4th, 2023
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Five years ago this December, a longtime friend of mine lost his son unexpectedly to an early death. His son was only 32 years old and was extremely well-liked by all that knew him. Adding even more to the sadness was the fact that at the time of his death, his wife was also due with twins just a few months later.
My friend has struggled with this situation mightily in the subsequent years, and understandably so. We have spoken many times since then, with numerous text messages and calls back and forth since that fateful day in December.
As many have come to know, the best thing to do in situations like these is to be an empathetic and compassionate listener, allowing the person to express their deep sadness.
A time has passed, I’ve always ended our conversations with the phrase “just do the next best thing” to my friend. Not only is it practical, it’s Biblical.
In Proverbs 16, Solomon speaks a number of wise sayings that relate to the sovereignty of God. While man is busy making his plans, it is the sovereign will of God that does, and will, order his steps.
A step is a small thing, and for my friend, even taking the next step at times became an unbearable burden. But not only is taking a step the “next thing” when we are burdened by sadness, it’s also the “best thing”.
Do you have something that is such a burden, you can barely get out of bed? I would encourage you to do the “next best thing”. Not only will this help you with the passage of time, but for those paying attention, it speaks to the will of God for their lives.
Not just the “next” thing – make it the “best” thing you can do right then and there. You will find the best thing you can do in the moment is to rest in God’s will for you – which is always the best thing for you now and into eternity.
My friend has struggled with this situation mightily in the subsequent years, and understandably so. We have spoken many times since then, with numerous text messages and calls back and forth since that fateful day in December.
As many have come to know, the best thing to do in situations like these is to be an empathetic and compassionate listener, allowing the person to express their deep sadness.
A time has passed, I’ve always ended our conversations with the phrase “just do the next best thing” to my friend. Not only is it practical, it’s Biblical.
In Proverbs 16, Solomon speaks a number of wise sayings that relate to the sovereignty of God. While man is busy making his plans, it is the sovereign will of God that does, and will, order his steps.
A step is a small thing, and for my friend, even taking the next step at times became an unbearable burden. But not only is taking a step the “next thing” when we are burdened by sadness, it’s also the “best thing”.
Do you have something that is such a burden, you can barely get out of bed? I would encourage you to do the “next best thing”. Not only will this help you with the passage of time, but for those paying attention, it speaks to the will of God for their lives.
Not just the “next” thing – make it the “best” thing you can do right then and there. You will find the best thing you can do in the moment is to rest in God’s will for you – which is always the best thing for you now and into eternity.
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