After Job’s three friends finished their rebukes, a firebrand named Elihu gave his piece. Elihu was angry at the incompetency of Job’s friends, and unleashed his own tirade. These words from Elihu caught my attention:

Behold, I am toward God as you are; I too was pinched off from a piece of clay.

Job 33:6 (ESV)

Isn’t that such an apt description of man? We are beautifully fashioned in God’s image; yet still formed of earth, so easily broken. So easily crumbled to dust.

Will and I are feeling the tension between humanity’s glory and fragility these days. Some of our best friends are going through a devastating season of suffering. Suddenly life feels achingly transient, and I wonder if there is really a God in heaven who sees and hears.

Over and over, the Bible portrays a God of love, a God of grace, a God of blessing. In Him is no darkness at all (as I wrote about here). In Him we live and move and have our being.

Yet at times I feel disappointment with God as shifting sand under my feet. Is God who the Bible says He is? I’m not interested in inventing theology to cover up for God, or retreating to a life of lesser faith. But I need Him to come through for my friends, and for me.

God, I need to know if you are who you say you are. Do you hear our prayers? Will you keep your promises to your children, your poor little pinched-off pieces of clay?

Lord, have mercy.

Have mercy.