Aug. 27, 2021
Contributed by Communication Group Staff
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
Iaʻu i ʻōlelo ai, Ua paheʻe koʻu wāwae,
A laila, na kou lokomaikaʻi, e Iēhova, i hoʻoikaika iaʻu.
I ka nui loa o koʻu mau manaʻo i loko oʻu,
ʻO kou aloha ka mea e hoʻohauʻoli ai i koʻu ʻuhane.
– Nā Halelū 94:18-19
Scripture Reading
If I should say, “My foot has slipped,”
Your faithfulness, Lord, will support me.
When my anxious thoughts multiply within me,
Your comfort delights my soul.
– Psalm 94:18-19
He manaʻo o ke kahu
We are living in a very trying time. No one could have imagined a worldwide pandemic and how quickly life as we knew it would change. Relief seemed on the horizon when the vaccines came out and the number of cases declined. Then the Delta variant caused a surge greater than the original form. This has greatly impacted our spirits and anxiety levels have risen. All it would take is news of a devastating event close to home and our confidence is shaken.
The Israelites were feeling downtrodden, as time after time, they had to face the cruelty of the world. Unfortunately, a lot of their stresses were caused by their own people. The Psalmist writes of the heart wrenching cries of the people, calling out to God for reprieve:
“Lord, God of vengeance, God of vengeance, shine forth!
Rise up, judge of the earth, pay back retribution to the proud.
How long, Lord, shall the wicked—How long shall the wicked triumph?
They pour out words, they speak arrogantly; All who do injustice boast.
They crush your people, Lord, and afflict your inheritance.”
When the struggles continued, the faith of the people diminished, their feet slipped. They needed to keep the faith, to sustain their hope a little longer, for “Behold, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” (Psalm 121:4)
As we continue through this season of challenges, do not let fear take over your faith. Keep your feet from slipping by standing on solid ground- ground that is firmed up by ka ‘ōlelo o ke Akua (the word of God). Read your Baibala and see how every time God’s chosen people seemed to be doomed, he was there to kākoʻo them. You are his chosen people, his royal priesthood. Lean on his everlasting arms, knowing that the future is secure in him.
As we continue through this season of challenge, do not let fear take over your faith. KS Maui Kahu Kalani Wong KSK’74 reminds us that our spirits shall be protected when we put everything in ke Akua’s hands.