When Justice Feels Delayed
Trusting God in a Broken World
Susan Narjala
Guest Contributor
As her words tumbled out at my dining table, tears welled up in my eyes. My dear friend opened up about the suffering she endured at the hands of someone she trusted.
I don’t need to go into the details of her painful story. You have heard others like it. You may have experienced something similar. As I listened and wept with her, something in me screamed for justice.
As image-bearers of a just God, we long for wrongs to be made right. We yearn for justice to prevail. But unlike a God who is “just and true” in all His ways (Revelation 15:3), our desire for justice is tainted by sin. And even when we long for God’s perfect justice, we are so limited in what we can do.
What can we do when we feel powerless in the face of unfairness or oppression?
Turn to God in our weakness
Our weakness compels us to turn to God with our stories. We find rest not in wrangling a fair outcome by ourselves but in trusting a God who is just in every single one of His actions.
As Christians who are in the world but not of it, we often find ourselves in unfair situations because we refuse to conform to its “pattern” or play by its rules (Romans 12:2). Perhaps you’re passed up for a promotion because you prioritized integrity over competition. Or maybe you’re left out of a social situation because of the biblical values you stand for. None of us are immune from the pain of betrayal, abuse, rejection, or slander. Globally, believers face horrific persecution daily for their faith.
Often, we’re told to ignore the barbs, to move on, to let it go. We are hastily directed to verses like Romans 8:28, which remind us that God works out all things for our good and His glory. However, those quick fixes often feel like platitudes or, worse still, admonitions to stay silent. Growing up in a shame-and-honor culture in India, I’m only too familiar with the concept of letting things slide, of hiding my own hurt, of keeping silent.
We find rest not in wrangling a fair outcome by ourselves but in trusting a God who is just in every single one of His actions.
Very rarely are we encouraged to experience the rawness of our emotions before an almighty God. Very rarely are we reminded to acknowledge the unfairness of our circumstances—the very circumstances that our Father sees. Psalm 34:15 tells us, “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry.” Very rarely are we prompted to bare our wounds and express our desire for justice before a God who fights our battles for us (Deuteronomy 20:4). While we are not called to be consumed by our quest for personal or societal justice, we are called to trust a God who is the all-consuming fire (Deuteronomy 4:24). He redeems our desire for retribution by leading us to trust the One who declares that vengeance is His and that He will repay (Romans 12:17).
Trust God to make things right
Revelation reminds us that God reigns over history. The enemy and the powers of darkness may wage war against the Lamb, “but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers” (Revelation 17:14).
As Christians, we grieve the wrongs done to us and the injustices that exist in a broken world. The Psalms give us the language of lament to mourn the losses and the pain we experience. But Scripture also gives us vocabulary through which we can cast our hurts at the feet of a God of justice and power. There is perhaps no better example of bringing our burdens before the Lord than how David did in his psalms. Yet, we notice that in these psalms, David did not put the burden of justice on himself. Neither did he seize the reins of violence. Instead, he appealed to the character of God and found rest in who God is.
We can trust the God of unwavering justice to write a better and truer story.
Your story in this fallen world may feel weighed down by injustice. But this is not the end. Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33). We can trust the God of unwavering justice to write a better and truer story. Christ’s death, resurrection, and rule point to the ultimate triumph of good over evil and injustice.
He is a God who restores the years the locusts have eaten so we are never again put to shame (Joel 2). Find rest, knowing that God has not forgotten your pain or overlooked the injustice done to you. He will one day make all things new, and His “called, chosen and faithful followers” will triumphantly reign with Him.
About The Author
https://susannarjala.com/Susan Narjala is a writer and speaker based in Bangalore, India. She has contributed to several Christian publications including Desiring God, The Gospel Coalition, Risen Motherhood, and InCourage. She regularly posts on susannarjala.com. She has also written over a dozen Bible plans for the YouVersion app. Susan attended BSF in Chennai, India, and Portland, Oregon. She is married to Ranjit, a software engineer. They are currently busy raising their two teenagers and are active at their local church.
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Thank you for this most insightful read!
Susan, what precious insight you bring in your writing!
The scriptures which you site are so helpful and encouraging.
The Lord has truly blessed you in presenting scripture, and I am greatly encouraged. Thank you. May the Lord bless you. 💘🙌🏻🙏🏻🕊️
Thank you Susan for sharing your story. May the Lord continue to bless you as you work for Him.
Thank you for the mesaage. God is aware of the issue Im facing now.
How can I enrole for a class in person.
I love BSF ❤️ I come from a background of extreme sin and so much shame. This is my second year and I’m learning so much about Jesus and can’t even wait until fall when we start to meet up again.
Wonderful Scriptures referenced with your blog. Your story leads us to the Scriptures. Thank you.
I am really blessed and encouraged. That reminds me of God’s love and faithfulness towards us. Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful message.
Thank you for sharing. This is a good reminder that God is working through what we a facing with our Governing Leadership in American. Thanks for putting everything in perspective for us. Always good to be reminder of God’s work.
Thank you Susan – such a great message!
This morning, I began my devotions by reading Susan’s blog, which deeply resonated with me. I felt a similar pressure to ignore and suppress my feelings, but her blog reminded me that I can bring my honest feelings and concerns to God. The scriptures she shared strengthened my faith, confirming the truth of God’s word. I am encouraged to continue trusting God in the face of injustice. I thank God for the encouragement this blog provided as I begin my day with Jesus.
Encouraging article thankyou for sharing
What an encouraging reminder this article is. Bless and thank you, Sister Susanm, or it, and for your YouVersion devotions!
Hi am truly encouraged God bless you it was a very timely word for me.
Thank you for sharing. I know a couple who are going through a very difficult time because of lies being spread about them. My heart breaks for them.
The blog is encouraging and inspiring.
Thank you for the beautiful reminder to listen and go to the LORD with all the troubles that people share with us and not to think we have to speak platitudes to them at the time. Prayer covers a multitude of sins. Let us direct everyone we meet and interact with to Jesus.
Thank you, Mrs. Narjala, for sharing the pearls of your dear friend with us.
I, too, became involved with a fraudulent action by a financial institution. It was so obvious but I was not able to achieve an outcome in my favour. I spent time in prayer.
I was drawn to the story in the Bible about a statement by the Lord Jesus. He said that if a person stole your cloak, give him your coat also. It seemed to me that was meant to be applied to my experience. God met my need. I declined any further legal procedure. I praise God for victory over the offense. I just hope the financial institution will learn to make better decisions.
Thank you for these beautiful words, and beautiful verses that give me peace when peace is desperately needed.
My favourite verse is John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
I think we should stick with the heavenly home that God is preparing for us and try to forget about the loss of our earthly precious land.
Well written. I liked Susan’ challenge of using and often abusing the Word under the disguise of shame and honor culture. “However, those quick fixes often feel like platitudes or, worse still, admonitions to stay silent”.
Thought provoking.
Thank you for sharing this encouragememt. Indeed the World out there is not kind but our God is the ultmiate conqueror!
Amen Amen! This blog was so timely. Thank you Father for you speak, assure and affirm. God has used this to confirm what He earlier, just 2 days ago, had spoken to us – as a family, through His Word, that we shall come through victorious in a family matter where we are seeking justice, truth and restoration. God is with us, fighting our battles and He never losses. Glory to His name.
Trust God and be patient for Him to deliver His perfect justice in His time.
To God be the glory. Indeed, we do struggle but we also have our faith in Him, our precious Jesus.
Thank you for sharing .
Thank you for these reminders
Mrs, thank you for our thought Blog. As a man of nearly, 87 years of age, I gained encouragement from your words. I love Jesus and serve in B.S.F. as a Group Leader.
Thank you for encouraging insights. I am humbled to realize that sometimes my desire for justice is tainted by sin. Please forgive me, Lord. But God will even the books. Retribution will come in God’s perfect timing. I praise God for His perfect justice and mercy.
Thank you it takes courage to talk about what issues you have gone through. May Jesus heal all hurts and injustices you have experienced.
This is a good Biblical reminder that God is our refuge and strength and that we are not to ‘pay back’ as the world would do. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
‘”Our desire for justice is tainted by sin.”
I was arrested in my spirit when I read this and it suddenly opened up to why we are to leave our battles to God. Not only better for us but it gives our wonderful God and Father space to work in the situation.
I am holding onto that thought. Thank you for the blog.
Blessed by your blog! Had a challenging week and your words and writing encouraged me to trust and obey through it all!
“…(David) appealed to the character of God and found rest in who God is.” To me, that’s the answer to so many of life’s questions…the more we study, meditate, pray, fellowship, and spend time with the Lord, the more we find His character – the “WHO and ALL He is” as the focal point for every cry and question from our soul and spirit. He is Wonderful!
This is wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing these wonderful words of encouragement!
Indeed, we are living in a fallen world. However, it is very encouraging that through it all, we have a better home with Jesus. Christians ought to persevere, endure hardship, and ultimately win with Jesus. We are more than a conqueror through Jesus.!
The Thanks for the blog. A great blessing!
Trust God – Trust God!
Challenges come every day. Thank you for this reminder of God’s sovereignty!
Thank you, I needed to read this. Sometimes we are so blinded by the countless injustices we see in our lives every day, done to others and ourselves, we lose sight of what is most important, our loving God and the relationship we have with him. Reading this has renewed and cleared my vision today, to continue to be a light and represent his Kingdom in all that I do.
Ditto.
Powerful words of wisdom. Indeed we trust in the one who is worthy àll knowing God
A just God who always fight for His children.
What a timely message for me!
That “we can trust the God of unwavering justice to write a better and truer story”. Thank you for allowing God to use you this way.
I am so grateful for BSF and the faithful leaders and ladies I meet each year. I have learn so much more about God and the Bible. My hope is in Jesus and I am so thankful I know him as my Savior and friend .
Brilliant! Clears many cobwebs of questions about God’s justice. Straight from the heart of God. You have explained His character very well.
I am blessed.
God bless you.
I am very thankful for this article. God loves us all and want us to except his son Jesus and be saved. God justice is better that any thing we could ever do. I love and trust in Jesus and he is my hope. He is working things out even if I do not see what he is doing.
Let’s look forward to the day when good will triumph over evil.
What a hope we have!
Yes. I need to join a BSF class. Along with trusting in a just God, I would ask God for Godly wisdom and safety. Meditating on God’s Word keeps me in a good frame of mind. I could use the prayers off other believers.Thanks
Perfect for such a time as this.. God is always in control.
I am so thankful that I belong to a God that knows my name and helps me see His hand of strength and comfort at every turn in this world today!
It is comforting as we are reminded that hope in God never disappoint, no matter how long it takes.
Amen. Great reminder in a fallen world.
This has literally been my prayer all year- God, where is your justice in my relationship?! And your words echo how I feel God has led me, as well. Thank you for your thoughts. I appreciate them.