Introduction

The concept of questioning God's attention is a theme that appears throughout the Bible, reflecting the human struggle with doubt, faith, and the perception of divine involvement in the world. This topic explores the instances where biblical figures express uncertainty about God's awareness or concern for their circumstances, and how these moments are addressed within the scriptural narrative.

Old Testament Instances

1. Job's Lament: The Book of Job is a profound exploration of suffering and divine justice. Job, a righteous man, experiences immense suffering and questions God's attention to his plight. In Job 23:3-4 , Job expresses his desire to present his case before God: "If only I knew where to find Him, so that I could go to His seat. I would plead my case before Him and fill my mouth with arguments." Job's questioning is met with a divine response that emphasizes God's wisdom and sovereignty (Job 38-41).

2. The Psalms: The Psalms frequently capture the tension between faith and doubt. Psalm 13:1-2 poignantly asks, "How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long must I wrestle in my soul, with sorrow in my heart each day?" These verses reflect a deep yearning for God's attention and intervention, yet they often conclude with a reaffirmation of trust in God's steadfast love and faithfulness.

3. Habakkuk's Complaint: The prophet Habakkuk questions God's attention to injustice and violence in the world. In Habakkuk 1:2-3 , he cries out, "How long, O LORD, must I call for help, but You do not listen, or cry out to You, 'Violence!' but You do not save? Why do You make me see iniquity, and why do You tolerate wrongdoing?" God's response assures Habakkuk of His ultimate plan and justice, even when it is not immediately apparent.

New Testament Perspectives

1. The Disciples' Doubts: In the New Testament, the disciples of Jesus occasionally question His attention and care. In Mark 4:38 , during a storm at sea, they wake Jesus and ask, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" Jesus responds by calming the storm and questioning their lack of faith, demonstrating His power and concern.

2. Martha and Mary: In John 11, Martha and Mary express their distress to Jesus over the death of their brother Lazarus. Martha says in John 11:21 , "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died." Jesus' subsequent actions, raising Lazarus from the dead, reveal His deep compassion and divine authority over life and death.

3. The Parable of the Persistent Widow: In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow to illustrate the importance of persistent prayer and faith in God's justice. The widow's relentless pursuit of justice from an unjust judge serves as a contrast to God's attentive and righteous nature, encouraging believers to trust in His timely intervention.

Theological Reflections

The questioning of God's attention often arises from a place of deep personal anguish or societal injustice. The Bible acknowledges these human emotions and provides a framework for understanding them within the context of faith. God's responses, whether through direct revelation, parables, or the actions of Jesus, consistently affirm His omniscience, compassion, and ultimate justice. Believers are encouraged to bring their doubts and questions to God, trusting in His perfect wisdom and timing.