Looking and Leading

"The LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7).  "He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake... Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me" (Psalm 23:3,4).  "Thy Father's commandment… shall lead thee…keep thee… talk with thee… Reproofs of instruction are the way of life" (Proverbs 6:20-23).  "I [Peter] said, Not so, Lord… What was I, that I could withstand God?" (Acts 11:8,17).  

The Lord is looking on the heart

And leading us accordingly,

But man looks on the outward part

And cannot see as God can see. 

He leads in paths of righteousness,

Reproving us for His name's sake. 

He comforts us in our distress

And talks with us when we awake.  

How gracious is our Lord's command

That leads, that keeps, and talks with us!

It is our folly to withstand

His leading so victorious! 

O Lord, You know how much we're needing

To hear Your voice and follow You

As You are looking on and leading

Our hearts that You alone can view.