KNOWING GOD – “HIS GUIDANCE”

Henry Steele, the father of English Baptist hymnwriter Anne Steele, records the following precious words in his diary, on 29 November in 1757, a good 268 years ago, which helps us gain an insight into his understanding of who God is.
– “This day Nanny sent a part of her compositions to London to be printed. I entreat a gracious God, who enabled and stirred her up to such a work, to direct her in it, and to bless it for the good and comfort of many. I pray God to make it useful, and to keep her humble.” – Henry Steele’s journal

For the past two days we have seen the character traits of God, which Henry Steele grasped, as we see from his journal entry above  1- “I ENTREAT A GRACIOUS GOD.” 2- “WHO ENABLED AND STIRRED HER UP TO SUCH A WORK.” Let us look at “TO DIRECT HER IN IT” this morning.

“TO DIRECT HER IN IT”
Henry Steele understood all too well and absolutely clearly that, it is God Almighty who has to direct his daughter Anne Steele, in the using of her talents, given to her graciously, by the LORD Himself. Herein we firstly see that, man, though with intelligence and a capacity to think and act, is finite in his nature and ability. Secondly, we see that, God has to guide us for the best use of all what He has given to us. Unless we surrender to God, all what we have received from God, and seek His face for grace and strength, we will misuse it, for a certainty, and perhaps abuse it too, if do not correct ourselves.

Unless God, the Giver of our talents and abilities, help us and guide us, in using them for His glory, for the benefit of His kingdom, and for the blessing of His people, we certainly will end up using our talents for something other than what God had originally intended. Such is the heart and the nature of the fallen man. Hence we need God’s direction and guidance.

Solomon, understanding the need for God in our lives, despite our knowledge and intelligence, he says…
– “​1 Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” – Psalm 127:1 

We see in Psalm 23:1-3, David expressing the significance of God’s guidance in our lives, and the necessity of our dependence upon Him.
– “​1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.  3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” – Psalm 23:1-3

What about us, this morning? Do we actively and intentionally seek God for His guidance? Do we express our dependence upon Him for our lives and our living? Do we see the need to seek God for His guidance and help in our lives, despite all the abilities, talents and experience we may possess? May we like Henry Steele, always seek God our LORD, “TO DIRECT HER [US] IN IT.” Even so, the LORD help us.