Psalm 8:4, Leave Me Alone, God!

What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?

//Inspiring words, aren’t they? The Psalmist seems astounded that God, the creator of the heavens, the one who set the moon and stars in their place, should find in his heart to care individually for mankind.

Words for the heart, at least in times of comfort. But note how Job, in his misery, twists this verse around:

What is man that you make so much of him, that you give him so much attention, that you examine him every morning and test him every moment? Will you never look away from me, or let me alone even for an instant? –Job 7:17-19

Job sees not a God who attends to the needs of individuals, but a God who meddles in human lives, testing us unmercifully. “Can’t you just leave me alone?” Job whines.

Which picture of God do you see?

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