Some years ago I was taking my granddaughter Susie on a walk when a couple of homeless men came walking toward us. Their scruffy appearance made her afraid. In her little mind, she thought she was about to be harmed. She was already holding my hand, but instantly I felt her push her body into mine as she grabbed onto my pant leg. “Papa!” She whispered. Of course, I put my arm around her and said that everything was going to be all right. The men passed us on the sidewalk without incident.

Inside, my heart was brimming. That instantaneous (reflex of reaching out for my aid meant that she thought could handle anything and everything. This was a more precious gift than any sweater she would ever give me for Christmas. She showed that she had a deep faith in me. I would come to her rescue. I would meet her urgent need. I would take care of her.

That is the very thing that delights the heart of God When we run to him and throw ourselves upon him in believing prayer, he rejoices. He does not want me out on my own trying to earn merit stars from him. He wants us, rather, to lean into him, walking with him as closely as possible. He is not so much interested in our doing as in our receiving from him. After all, what can we do or say or conquer without first receiving grace at God’s throne to help us in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16)? And all that receiving happens through faith.

Cymbala, Jim. Fresh Faith. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1999, p. 48, 49.