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THE NEXT RIGHT THING

It’s estimated that the average human makes approximately 35,000 decisions every day.

Did you get that? Thirty-five THOUSAND decisions. Every day. Cue the stress response.

But I have good news!

If you, like me, are one of the many people battling anxiety, insecurity, or decision-fatigue, then The Next Right Thing by Emily P. Freeman is a book written for you.

In this post I’m going to share a little bit about the book and its overall impact on my life. But first, I’d like to share a little bit about the author.

THE AUTHOR

Emily P. Freeman is a woman of many talents. She is a multi-published author, a blogger, a podcaster, a wife and mother, and, most importantly, a human–just like you and me.

Emily understands what it’s like to live beneath the sometimes crushing pressure of expectations, endless demands, and unmade decisions. But over the years, she’s learned some helpful ways to navigate these decision-induced stressors. And she wants to help others by sharing what she’s learned. That’s why she wrote her latest book, The Next Right Thing.

Throughout this book, Emily shares real-life stories, thought-provoking quotes, humbling prayers, and simple next right steps that work together to encourage, guide, and sooth the weary soul.

THE RUNDOWN

Chapter one begins with a relatable story about a recent real-life decision Emily had to make. She felt an unmistakable pull to go to graduate school, and she didn’t know why.

As a wife, mother, and successful writer, she wondered what purpose going back to school could serve? And she worried about the burden that decision would place on her family.

But by the end of the chapter, Emily reveals that she did decide to return to school, “though she couldn’t exactly articulate why.”

This short statement reveals the beauty and terror behind decision-making. Because we almost always have to make our decisions in the dark without a concrete why. 

So many of us crave clarity in the middle of a big decision. We want to understand. Because we think that if we can understand it, we can control it.

What we’ll find in this life is that our God rarely provides specific whys or shares His 10-year (or even 10-day) plans. What He does instead is offer simple next right steps.

We see this truth in many instances throughout the Bible. But one specific example that the book cites is the story of Jairus’s daughter in Luke 8:55. Whenever Jesus raised her from the dead, He didn’t give her a long list of to-dos or speak profound prophecies over her life. He simply told her parents what to do next–give her something to eat.

I’ve also seen this truth exemplified through my own journey. In life, we won’t always know exactly where we’re headed, but that doesn’t mean that we should stop walking.

Because what we do know is that we have a God who loves us. And the best thing we can do is ask Him to help us take our next right step in love. 

THE POINT

As the book unfolds, we discover that Emily’s decision to return to graduate school is not the only one that she has struggled with. In fact, like so many of us, Emily has a knack for complicating even seemingly simple decisions. And, often, that complication comes from fear–fear of the unknown, fear of missing out, fear of making a mistake.

Over time, Emily has found that the way that we make a decision is often just as important as the decision itself. As she shares: “The decision is rarely the point. The point is you becoming more fully yourself in the presence of God.” 

As we read this book, Emily shares stories and words of wisdom to help her readers name some unnamed things within them and discern with God what their next right thing might be.

Whether you’re one of the many who struggle with a subtle yet constant undercurrent of anxiety or you’re someone in the middle of a big life transition, Emily’s book can help.

Each chapter builds upon the last to help the reader, as Emily so beautifully puts it, create space for their soul to breathe.

THE IMPACT

The Next Right Thing by Emily P. Freeman is one of the most beautiful non-fiction books I’ve read yet.

This book is one that truly one that delivers what it advertises. The Next Right Thing is a book that helps its readers find peace throughout the decision making process.

So, yes, this is a book about making decisions. But Emily reveals that on a deeper level this is book about making a life. 

For those of you who don’t know, The Next Right Thing began as a podcast. This lovely podcast features 10-20 minutes episodes of Emily’s calm, adorable voice and wisdom-soaked words.

When I first discovered The Next Right Thing podcast, I was about to embark on a major life transition, and I didn’t even realize it.

I had absolutely no idea of the journey God was about to take me on. And, when I realized the changes that were taking place, I was absolutely not happy about it. Because change inevitably brings creates a need for decision.

THE GAIN

The decisions that have presented themselves during this transition have been daunting to say the least.

The smaller decisions have filled me with dread. But the larger ones have, at time, wrecked my soul with crushing anxiety.

I’ve realized that, in decision making, I am often pushed by my fears instead of being led by God’s love.

The Next Right Thing has served as a practical source of comfort during a difficult time.

With the help of this book, I’ve come to realize the importance of clinging to God in the midst of every decision. Because our ultimate goal through any decision is union with God.

The words that Emily shares through The Next Right Thing, have made me realize that God is interested in all decisions, no matter how large or small. And we can discover beautiful unity with Him in the midst of those decisions. All we have to do is trust Him as we ask Him to help us discern our next right thing.

P.S. Sharing is caring. So if you enjoyed today’s post, please share it with friends (or foes) who you think could benefit from it!