Jesus, Our Refuge

As for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress.

After driving through the entrance, we parked and walked up to the main building at the Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. Around us, the dark lava fields looked like the surface of Mars, rocky and alien. Coconut trees waved in the breeze while gentle waves washed up to a peaceful cove.

The park—which includes the Royal Grounds and the Puʻuhonua, known as the “place of refuge” or “city of refuge”—provided a haven for long-ago Hawaiians who broke certain laws, known as Kapu. These laws were punishable by death, but if the accused managed to make it to this location, they were pardoned and could live out the rest of their days in peace.

As we watched a video about the site’s history, I couldn’t help but be struck by how difficult the journey was for those who needed to reach the place of refuge. To escape from their accusers, they had to run for miles and then swim in the ocean—avoiding sharks and their pursuers!—until they finally arrived, dehydrated and exhausted. Safety was available only after they had scrambled for their lives, battled the elements, and washed up on the shore.

Once they arrived, the accused would rest, recover, and find new life. Some might stay in this place of peace forever.

Similar to those who once sought safety at Puʻuhonua, we can take refuge in Jesus. Though we may fight an internal battle with ourselves, we need not wrestle with external elements or labor to reach him. Instead, he is immediately available. What’s more, his power and might are balanced by his great love for us. What a privilege it is for us to turn to him, finding safety, rest, and peace. He freely forgives and provides us with all that we need for a new life in him.

Kristin

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Thank God that he is a refuge we can turn to whenever we need him.