Righteousness and Justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you. Happy are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O Lord, in the light of your countenance; they exult in your name all day long and extol your righteousness. (Psalm 89: 14-16)

Psalm 89 begins with a celebration of God's blessing. The second half concludes, "Lord, where is your steadfast love of old?" When life is good we are sure God loves us. When troubles come we may perceive God's love has been withdrawn.

It is more likely that God's love is constant. Conditions change not because God's attitude varies, but because we make choices that are inconsistent with the paths of truth. God is righteous (tsedaq) which is true, consistent, and whole. Because we lack wise judgment (mishpat) we will make choices that are inconsistent with God's righteousness. There are consequences of such choices.

In my own experience, it is precisely when I have made a bad choice and am suffering the consequences, that I have found God's love to be strongest. I perceive that these times of undeniable need may be the only time I am sufficiently open to truly receive the love of God.

God is constant. We are not.