Grounded in the Wisdom of Psalm 89:14
Justice and righteousness are the twin pillars of any thriving society, the cornerstones of a nation’s moral and ethical framework. Psalm 89:14 beautifully encapsulates this truth: “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.” These words serve as a profound reminder of the divine order and the values that should guide human systems, particularly in a world as complex and fractured as ours. In reflecting on the state of American politics, race, and religion, this passage challenges us to confront the disparities and injustices that persist while inspiring hope for a more equitable future.
The Intersection of Justice and American Politics
The American political landscape is, to say the least, polarized. The tension between ideological factions often obscures the nation’s ability to pursue justice effectively. From debates over voting rights to the legal battles surrounding economic inequality and healthcare, the question of what justice looks like in practice looms large.
Justice stands at the heart of the American ideal. The Declaration of Independence proclaims that all are created equal, endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights. Yet, the lived reality for many falls short of this promise. Structural inequalities continue to disenfranchise marginalized communities, particularly along racial and economic lines.
Psalm 89:14 invites us to consider how justice can be reclaimed as a bipartisan objective. What would it mean for American politics to prioritize righteousness as foundational, rather than as a rhetorical device? It would require courageous leadership willing to transcend party platforms in pursuit of policies that honor the dignity of every individual. It would mean reforming systems that perpetuate inequality while creating avenues for healing and reconciliation.
Race and the Long Road Toward Equality
The legacy of racial injustice in the United States is both pervasive and deeply entrenched. From the horrors of slavery to the systemic racism of redlining, mass incarceration, and police brutality, the pursuit of racial justice remains a critical and urgent task.
Psalm 89:14’s emphasis on steadfast love and faithfulness challenges us to approach this task not with mere indignation, but with humility, compassion, and persistence. Justice is not a single act but rather a sustained commitment to dismantling barriers and building bridges.
In recent years, movements like Black Lives Matter have reignited the national conversation on race. These movements underscore the importance of amplifying marginalized voices, listening to lived experiences, and addressing the systemic factors that perpetuate inequality. As a society, we are called to live out the justice described in the psalm—not only in institutional reform but also in our individual attitudes and actions.
Religion’s Role in Bridging Divides
Religion has a unique and complex role in American society. At its best, it serves as a moral compass, guiding individuals and communities toward acts of love, mercy, and justice. At its worst, it can become a tool for division and exclusion.
Psalm 89:14 reminds us of the divine expectation that faith communities embody principles of justice and righteousness. The American religious landscape is wonderfully diverse, encompassing a wide range of beliefs and traditions. This diversity holds the potential for unity, as people of faith find common ground in shared values.
However, religion can also become entangled with politics in ways that distort its essence. When faith is wielded as a weapon rather than a bridge, it risks alienating those it seeks to inspire. True justice calls for a collective recommitment to the core principles of love, humility, and service that underpin religious teachings.
Personal Reflection: A Call to Self-Examination
As I contemplate the meaning of justice in the context of my own life, I am struck by the ways in which my privileges and blind spots have shaped my perspective. Psalm 89:14 serves as a personal challenge as much as a societal one. Its call to righteousness and steadfast love is not abstract; it demands tangible action in the way I engage with my community and the world at large.
In moments of frustration with the political or social climate, I return to this verse for guidance. It reminds me that justice is not merely about pointing out what is wrong but about actively seeking what is right. It calls me to confront my own biases and to extend grace even when it is difficult.
One of the most humbling realizations I have had is that justice begins in the small, everyday choices we make. Whether it is speaking up against discrimination, volunteering time and resources to support marginalized communities, or simply listening with empathy, each act contributes to the broader pursuit of righteousness.
Moving Forward: A Vision of Hope
The pursuit of justice is, ultimately, a hopeful endeavor. Psalm 89:14 does not present justice and righteousness as distant ideals but as the very foundation of the divine. This foundational truth gives us reason to believe in the possibility of transformation.
In American politics, this might mean renewed efforts to create laws and policies that reflect the dignity and worth of every individual. In the realm of race, it could mean acknowledging painful truths while working toward genuine reconciliation. And in religion, it could mean fostering interfaith dialogue and collaboration to address shared challenges.
Justice, as envisioned in Psalm 89:14, is not static. It is a living, breathing commitment to equity, compassion, and truth. As individuals, communities, and nations, we are called to uphold these values—not just in moments of crisis but as a way of life.
In the words of the psalmist, may steadfast love and faithfulness indeed go before us as we endeavor to build a world where justice and righteousness reign. And may we find the courage to begin this work not in some distant future, but today.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 