איוב, פרק כ״ב, פסוק כ״ו

A genuine return to God sparks a profound internal transformation. A person shifts from depending on material wealth to building a close, intimate bond with the Creator. In this renewed state, an individual learns to rely entirely on God, finding true comfort and joy in Him alone [מצודת דוד]. This joy is not physical. It is an entirely spiritual experience born from the soul attaching itself to the Creator, accompanied by the deep realization that worldly pursuits hold no real importance [מלבי״ם]. Because the source of happiness now comes directly from God rather than physical assets, the individual is completely freed from the constant anxieties of protecting property and money [אלשיך].

As a result of this deep connection, a person naturally raises their face toward the heavens in prayer and pleading [ביאור שטיינזלץ], [תקות אנוש]. There are different ways to understand the nature of this upward gaze. One perspective suggests that a person looks to God specifically to ask for their daily needs [רש״י], doing so with absolute confidence that He will answer [מצודת דוד]. This relationship resembles a beloved son approaching his father. The son asks for what he wants without any shame or fear of being a burden, much like the unwavering trust shown by Honi the Circle-Maker in his prayers [אלשיך].

On the other hand, this upward focus might not be about asking for physical needs at all. Instead, it reflects a state of mind where a person directs every intention solely toward doing God's will and remaining close to Him [מלבי״ם]. Alternatively, reaching toward God can represent an extraordinary level of spiritual achievement. At this height, a person finds the courage to ask for profound spiritual revelations, just as Moses once asked to see the very glory of God [אלשיך].