As I was praying today, I was reminded of a poignant question posed by the Psalmist in Psalm 8:4: “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?”

To fully grasp the depth of this inquiry, we must look at the preceding verses in Psalm 8, attributed to David. At the beginning of the Psalm, David praises God with enthusiasm, “LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” 
(Psalm 8:1). 

He then marvels at the magnificence of God’s creation, reflecting on how the Creator of such a vast and intricate universe could take notice of such a seemingly insignificant part of His creation—humanity. One can imagine David pondering, “What makes humans so special that God is mindful of us and cares for us?”

To delve deeper into David’s perspective, we need to understand his background. We first meet David when God chooses a new king for Israel, following the rejection of Saul as king due to his disobedience (1 Samuel 16:1). God sends Samuel to Jesse’s house to anoint one of his sons. When Jesse presents his firstborn son, Eliab, Samuel assumes he is the chosen one due to his tall and handsome appearance. However, God informs Samuel that He is looking not at outward appearances but at the heart.

After seven sons pass by and none are chosen, Samuel inquires, “Are these all the sons you have?” Only then does Jesse mention David, who is tending sheep (1 Samuel 16:11). Upon David’s arrival, God confirms to Samuel that David is His selected king, and Samuel anoints David in the presence of his brothers. 

Despite facing numerous challenges—battling Goliath, fleeing Saul’s spear, and living as a fugitive—David eventually becomes the king of Israel. Throughout his journey, David recognises God’s guiding hand upon his life.

This context helps us understand why David contemplated what God saw in him, despite his flaws and failures. Why would God care for him and the people he led? What makes humanity so special to God?

I believe the answer traces back to the beginning of creation. In Genesis 1, we read about the account of God’s creation. At the end of each day, it was declared, “And God saw that it was good.” However, after creating humans, we read, “God saw all that He had made, and it was very good” (Genesis 1:31). The word “very” signifies humanity’s special place in creation. We were created on purpose, for a purpose—here lies the answer to David’s question.

We often feel excited when people of power or influence recognise us. Imagine the thrill of a fan when a celebrity takes a selfie with them, shakes their hand, or gives them a hug. These are fleeting moments soon forgotten—but how often do we feel excited that the Creator of the universe, the one who made the wonders we behold with awe, knows us and calls us by name?

I have experienced times in my life where people stood in the way of my progress and I had no one to speak to, no one to compel them to shift ground. I actually had a particular situatuon where people who knew me appealed on my behalf and didn’t get a positive result. I knew then that the only connection that would open that door was God and I cried to Him. God did it in the way that amazed everyone including the person who stood in my way. He opened other doors that gave me a better opportunity than the one I looked at as the only way to my progress.

If you ever feel unnoticed or invisible, know this: you are indeed connected. The God of the universe knows you intimately. Not only does He know you, but He also loves you passionately and wants to bestow upon you the best life has to offer. 

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)