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
ʻO Iēhova ka Haku, ʻo ia koʻu ikaika, a e
hoʻohālike mai ia i koʻu wāwae, me nā
wāwae o nā dia, a e hoʻohele nō ia iaʻu
ma luna o kuʻu mau wahi kiʻekiʻe. Na ka
luna mele ma nā mea kani. | | | The Lord is my strength, and He has
made my feet like hind’s feet, and
makes me walk on my high places.
- Habakkuk 3:19 |
He manaʻo o ke kahu
As a young boy, I loved to go holoholo (fishing) with my father. It was always a life lesson in patience, skill, and confidence. My job was simple – hold the bucket and when needed take the fish or nā iʻa from the net or ka ʻupena and put each one in my bucket. What I remember so clearly was how my dad would scamper across the laupapa or reef to get to the correct position to cast his net upon the unsuspecting fish.
I was always amazed that in all our years of fishing together he never fell as he moved quickly over the reef covered by a bed of seafoam. The key to his success was while he was scouting where the fish were wading, he would carefully study the reef structure before him. He would then memorize his path and the location of each rock that he intended to step on. Once the wave broke and the fish were shielded by the rushing white foam, he would confidently approach his spot and throw his net over his catch.
The prophet Habakkuk teaches that God strengthens us so that when we move, we move confidently. During this global pandemic, and global outrage condemning systemic racism we have all experienced moments of confusion, anxiety, and anger. But throughout these past three months, those who have sought out justice for others with loving mercy and have walked humbly with God have and will always remain surefooted and confident despite traumatic circumstances.
Over the many years, my father and I have fished up and down the North Kona coastline. During our adventures, we have witnessed wild goats easily traversing over the loose rocks that make up the various puʻu (hill) visible near each kahakai (beach). Even the tiny goats or kids would keep their balance because of their hind legs during their ascent to the top.
God’s power in our lives stabilizes us as we navigate our journey even in the rockiest of conditions. By devoting time with God, meditating over God’s word, and responding to God’s truth with aloha for others we assuredly demonstrate our reliance on God’s power to overcome all obstacles and enjoy God’s blessings.
Habakkuk confirms his revelation by exalting that our continued walk of faith in ke Akua Mana Loa (Almighty God) empowers us to reach the higher places of communion with our sovereign Lord and King. Be blessed, be strong, be courageous and know that God is with us always, and always for us!
This week, ponder one of these topics each day:
1. Memorize Habakkuk 3:19 and use it in your daily prayers this week as a guide for your spiritual, emotional and physical well-being.
2. Reflect on a time in your life where you prayed for God’s presence to be with you during a difficult time. Have you ever shared this story with another person?
3. During this time of social distancing there have been numerous times when we have to consider if going to certain places will be safe. How would you approach God to ask for confidence in your decision making?
4. Remember the story of David and Goliath? David boasts of God’s providence in his life’s challenges as a shepherd in 1 Samuel 17:37 which states, “And David said, ‘Yahweh, who rescued me from the hand of the lion and from the hand of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine (Goliath).’” Then Saul said to David, “Go and may Yahweh be with you!” David gives credit to God for his confidence, and not in his own ability. Share with others what God has done in your life!
5. Pray for God’s providence to be over the social unrest in our country and for our nation’s leaders to come together in unity to bring about peace.
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