2647) There were times, when I was a teacher, a young scholar would come to me and tell me of something another was doing to them, expecting me to act on their behalf.

Sometimes I would jump immediately on the perpetrator and quickly take care of the situation. At other times, I would make a mental note of what I was told and set it aside to handle later when the timing for all involved was better.

It’s likely that the one who came to me was watching me, expecting to see me immediately deal with the bully. When they don’t see this, it’s likely that they would question my authority, justice and defense of them.

When I read Psalm 22, the psalmist describes all kinds of things his enemies are doing to him. Throughout the 31 verses, he is looking for God to intervene and sees nothing, and yet, in verse 25, the writer says he will still praise God.

I think this psalmist knew what I hope my students discovered, and that is, just because you don’t see God dealing with situations we bring him doesn’t mean he isn’t at work behind the scenes. Choosing to believe and trust this is an act of faith.