What do you do when the unjust appear to be winning? Have you ever been involved in a legal struggle where the guilty party prevailed? How did your divorce go? Many of us can share a story about a time when justice was not served.

Recently in the news we read that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned the verdict of the Bill Cosby trial due to a technicality from an earlier proceeding in 2005. We also have been reading about pop singer Brittany Spear’s attempt to free herself from an oppressive conservatorship. Regardless of our conclusions on these particular matters, it is a fact that justice does not always serve the innocent. When that happens, what can we do?

The Bible makes it clear that there are different standards of righteousness. The world’s standard falls far short of God’s standard. There will be times here on earth when the guilty ones literally get away with murder. There will be times when the innocent are harmed in a judicial proceeding. But take heart, for the One who comes to rule the nations will deal with all those who live on the earth. Righteousness will prevail according to HIS standard:

Psalm 24 (New Revised Standard Version)

The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,
    the world, and those who live in it;
² for he has founded it on the seas,
    and established it on the rivers.

³ Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
    And who shall stand in his holy place?
⁴ Those who have clean hands and pure hearts,
    who do not lift up their souls to what is false,
    and do not swear deceitfully.
⁵ They will receive blessing from the Lord,
    and vindication from the God of their salvation.

When the world is unjust, our vindication comes from the Lord. Our job is to ensure that we can climb God’s holy hill because we are the ones who have not lifted our souls to falsehoods nor sworn deceitfully. Only the ones with clean hands and pure hearts will stand in God’s holy place.

⁶ Such is the company of those who seek him,
    who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah

God promises peace to those who seek him. He invites us to turn to him in our hearts. When we do this, salvation is offered. His glory will dwell in our land.

When God’s righteousness prevails, all are judged accordingly. His courtroom is one where steadfast love and faithfulness preside. The truth is that we are all guilty of something, but in God’s courtroom, righteousness and peace join forces and pardon is given to everyone who confesses and repents. Behold, the King of glory comes!

⁷ Lift up your heads, O gates!
    and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
    that the King of glory may come in.
⁸ Who is the King of glory?
    The Lord, strong and mighty,
    the Lord, mighty in battle.
⁹ Lift up your heads, O gates!
    and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
    that the King of glory may come in.
¹⁰ Who is this King of glory?
    The Lord of hosts,
    he is the King of glory.Selah

God will always offer what is good to those who seek him with all their hearts. He clears the path of righteousness for us to follow. This is not the case in the secular world, where the rich people win and those with power oppress those who have none.

So if you have been dealt with unfairly in your life, take heart. The Lord’s salvation is at hand! Listen as he speaks to the faithful, and do not be dismayed. What happens here is just temporary, but God’s righteousness lasts forever.