Ka Ipu o Lono shares weekly devotionals to provide spiritual enrichment to members of the Kamehameha Schools ‘ohana. For more inspiration, visit the KS “Our faith” website.
Heluhelu Baibala
A ʻo ka maluhia o ke Akua, ka mea i ʻoi
aku i ko ke kanaka manaʻo a pau, e
hoʻomalu mai i ko ʻoukou naʻau a me ko
ʻoukou manaʻo ma o Kristo Iesū lā.
- Pilipi 4:7 | | And the peace of God, which transcends
all understanding, will guard your hearts
and your minds in Christ Jesus.
- Philippians 4:7
|
He manaʻo o ke kahu
Have you ever had one of the moments when life hit you so hard you were floored? Shortly after that, you get swamped with another challenge? And just when you think you can finally lift your head again; another devastation weighs you down? When will this all end?
We have seen the spike in COVID-19 numbers rocking our state recently. Closer to home, we’ve seen the updates of how COVID-19 has impacted our KS ʻohana this past week. Our education plans are once again having to adjust for the umpteenth time. When will this all end?
Horatio Spafford was probably thinking the same thing. He was a successful lawyer and invested significantly in real estate. He suffered huge losses when the great Chicago fire of 1871 roared through his properties, which ruined him financially. Then his business interests were hit by the economic downturn of 1873.
To take a break, he planned to travel to Europe with his family, but a late change in plans forced his delay. He told his wife and four daughters to go on without him, and he would meet up with them as soon as he could. While crossing the Atlantic, their ship hit another vessel and rapidly sank. His wife survived but his four daughters didn’t. He quickly left to join his grieving wife in Europe. When his ship passed near the spot where his daughters died, he was inspired to write the words that became the hymn “When Peace Like a River.”
When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to know
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Refrain:
It is well, (it is well), With my soul, (with my soul)
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
How can one say “it is well with my soul” after all those back-to-back tragedies? Horatio Spafford found strength in Philippians 4:7 – “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” It is only through Iesū that we can find maluhia (peace).
We are sorely mistaken when we look for peace in things or try to avoid the pain by immersing ourselves in activities. In the midst of these times of overwhelming challenges, seek the peace that goes beyond our human comprehension. Grasp onto ka maluhia o ke Akua, which is available and accessible to us all. As we turn to ka Haku, we can be assured that he will hear our pleas and comfort us. Know that we are stronger together.
As you are able, please say a pule for ALL of our alakaʻi, and those across our institution, who are striving so hard to help us keep Pauahi’s vision alive during these times. There are many who are diligently laboring behind the scenes to keep our resources, financial and technical, running smoothly and available to us when, and even before, it is needed.
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