Two months before I was to get married and move to Tillamook, my boss at the time fired me unexpectedly. He found out I’d gotten engaged and would be moving in a couple of months, so he let me go before I had a chance to give my two weeks’ notice. I was devastated! And so embarrassed.

I’d never lost a job in my life and prided myself on arriving early, doing my best with a cheerful attitude, and even doing more than I was asked. It made it even worse when the manager stood over me while I packed my belongings into a box to walk me out, while others looked on in sympathetic curiosity. Even worse, she drove me to my car when she found out it was seven blocks away (I’d been parking at my church because I couldn’t afford the parking lot fee). We drove in uncomfortable silence. She knew the boss was being unfair, but couldn’t do anything about it. In her office, however, she had assured me I would receive unemployment.

Anger replaced embarrassment when I later found out I would not be receiving unemployment, because my boss lied about my behavior at work. My daughter and I were suddenly without an income for two months before my wedding! I started to panic until Kelly talked me off the cliff and promised to take care of us. Still, I was angry that my old boss could get away with treating people the way he did.

It was a relief to leave that office. Even though I had been hired for a writing job, I’d done everything but write. Our boss enjoyed moving people from cubicle to cubicle, assigning them work they had no experience or training for, leaving everyone confused and insecure. His method of leadership made for a tense work environment.

A year of two later, my mom sent me a news article from my previous hometown. My old boss had been charged with embezzlement and sexual misconduct. Even though it had been a couple of years, it made me feel a little better that he was being called to account.

We seldom see justice carried out on this earth—not swiftly, and often, not at all. Most people who desire honest and fair treatment for all, seldom have the power to make it happen. True justice only comes from God. If we want someone who will hear our case and see beyond their own biases to do what is right, the only place to look is UP.

God says:

My…arm will bring justice to the nations.
The islands will look to me
    and wait in hope…
Lift up your eyes to the heavens,
    look at the earth beneath;
the heavens will vanish like smoke,
    the earth will wear out like a garment
    and its inhabitants die like flies.
But my salvation will last forever,
    my righteousness will never fail.

Is. 51:5-6

If you’re in the middle of a painful and unjust situation, this might sound like vain hope. “Someday” can sound like “never.” But God always keeps His promise. We can trust that He will come. He will make all things right. Those who do evil will face God’s judgment for all the hurt they have caused others. While the innocent, abused, and oppressed will receive God’s comfort and restoration.

Whether you’re hurting from unjust treatment today, or just looking for some hope, I pray you found some here today.

The words to Ryan Ellis’s “Gonna Be Alright” are like healing ointment for the soul.