Understanding God’s Character and What It Means for Us
Psalm 89:14 says, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.” If you’ve ever wondered what this really means, let’s break it down together in everyday language.
The Foundation: Righteousness and Justice
Imagine a house. To stand strong, it needs a solid foundation. According to Psalm 89:14, God’s “house”—meaning His rule over everything—is built on two main things: righteousness and justice.
– Righteousness is about doing what’s right—always. For God, this means He never cheats, never lies, and never does anything unfair. He sets the standard for what is good and true.
– Justice is about being fair and treating everyone as they deserve. God doesn’t play favorites. He gives everyone a fair shake, and He makes sure wrong things are put right.
Together, these qualities mean that God’s rule is never shaky or uncertain. We can count on Him to always do the right thing, even when people around us don’t.
The Path: Steadfast Love and Faithfulness
But Psalm 89:14 doesn’t stop at justice and righteousness. It says “steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.” Think of these as the way God interacts with us—how He reaches out and treats us every day.
– Steadfast love (sometimes called mercy or lovingkindness) means God’s love doesn’t give up, even when we mess up. He’s loyal, kind, and caring no matter what.
– Faithfulness means God keeps His promises and never lets us down. If He says He’ll do something, He does it—every time.
These qualities show us that, while God is strong and fair, He’s also loving and dependable. He’s not a distant judge; He’s a caring helper, always there for us.
Why Does This Matter for Us?
So, what’s the big deal? Why should Psalm 89:14 matter to us in our everyday lives?
· We can trust God’s decisions. Knowing His rule is based on what’s right and fair means we don’t have to worry about God being unfair or cruel. Even when life is confusing, we know God isn’t making mistakes.
· We can rely on God’s love and promises. When we feel let down by others or even by ourselves, God’s loyal love and faithfulness are rock solid. He’s always in our corner.
· We can try to live the same way. God sets an example for us. We’re called to be honest, fair, loving, and trustworthy in our relationships—just like Him.
Bringing It All Together
Psalm 89:14 paints a beautiful picture of who God is. He’s fair and just, always doing what’s right. He’s loving and faithful, always keeping His promises.
For us, that’s both a comfort and a challenge. It means we can lean on God with confidence. And it nudges us to embody these same qualities—standing up for what’s right, treating people fairly, loving others steadfastly, and keeping our word.
In a world where things sometimes feel unfair and uncertain, Psalm 89:14 reminds us that God’s way is always right, loving, and dependable. And that’s a firm foundation we can build our lives on.
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Minister A Francine Green | July 2025
afrancinegreen.com 