“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” (Psalms‬ ‭37:23-24‬ ‭NLT)

I read this passage of scripture and I picture my children, when they were still small and learning to walk. Their father and I were right there, every step of the way. Tiny chubby fingers gripped tight around our extended pinkies to provide the emotional and physical support as our babies became toddlers. They stumbled, but we caught them and kept them from permanent damage. Why? Because we delighted in them. These little people that carried our image brought us so much joy!

I think this is a picture of how our Father God looks after His own children. He’s always near; present and ready to catch. He’s already cleared the room of obstacles meant for anything less than learning. Our steps are secure because they are well-attended to. We may stumble, but the Father’s hand will be quick to catch us before any real disaster sets in.

How do we delight God?

This is an important question because delight brings Him close and steadies our steps. Delight outstretches Father arms to meet meet our otherwise unstable footing. Delight insures us against eternal damage.

“No, the Lord’s delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love.” (Psalms‬ ‭147:11‬ ‭NLT)

We delight God by fearing Him. Not a cowering, frightening fear, but a Father fear. The fear of the Lord includes respect, admiration, trust and reverence.

The truth is, the Lord delights in those who will reach up and ask for help. He delights in those who call out “Abba” and admit their tendency toward unsteady step and sin. He delights in those that wholly believe in His unfailing love extended toward us.

Lord, today we speak our belief in You. We reach our hands upward, recognizing our continual need for Your steadying grip. We recognize You as our Good Father and we long for You to delight in us as Your children. Find joy in helping us find our way in this world. Amen.