No Regrets!

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God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. — Psalm 46:1

I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. — Psalm 34:4

We have much in common on board the ship. It wasn’t that long ago we left our friends, boyfriends/girlfriends, spouses, children, and the dog—thousands of miles behind. So, what now, Chaplain? I’m so glad you asked . . . .

As a Chaplain, one prevailing question I hear and frequently consider is this: “Where is God during deployment?” “Does God’s presence exist on a warship or in the sand of Afghanistan?”

The Scriptures teach God is omnipresent, meaning He is everywhere. In addition we recognize God inhabits His believing followers via His Holy Spirit. But for many of us the presence of God just doesn’t voyage with us—He stays back home or port-side with our families. Let me explain. . . .

As I reflect about God’s presence on a war ship, I consider what “types” of people likely constitute a ship—specifically what is the composition of individual spiritual journeys and experiences. I came up with four distinct categories which might help us consider why we often leave God behind and in port. Take a moment with me to see if you can locate yourself in any of the suggested caricatures. I found parts of me and my life experiences all over the place!

Category #1—“No Time for This!”—This group has absolutely no capacity for the spiritual realm—zero, nada, none!  Now, don’t get me wrong, these are good people and great Sailors. . . .but even receiving an article from Chaps makes them uncomfortable. They silently wonder, “Why doesn’t he just go away. . . .” They may even question why a Chaplain would embark a war ship—but that’s a great question for another day. Most likely, they’ve already deleted my article with one quick stroke of a key and moved on.

Category #2—“The Real World”—This group possesses a cerebral reliance upon God which they can philosophically verbalize with great skill and expertise. They have come to an “understanding” with God—something like “You don’t mess with me and I won’t mess with you.” This position closely resembles an ol’-fashioned Texas stand-off.

Category #2 agrees the spiritual realm is necessary. But, when pressed, they find it hard making the connection between the divine and daily, real-world practical stuff of life. From their vantage point, their personal experience reinforces the assumption that God feels distant, unrelated to their life and impotent over life’s complexities.

Category #2 lives in the fast-lane of vain control—doing what “I” need to do to get “it” done. “You know how it is, Chaps, the only person I can rely on and trust is me!” They conclude, “If this were a perfect world, God would be a nice idea; but, this is a harsh, bitter world we live in! So let’s get on with reality . . . I don’t have time for a bunch of feel-good, idealistic religious emotionalism!”

Category #3—“Multiple Personalities”—This group is genuinely dedicated to a system of faith that is real to them, but incompatible to their assortment of “personalities.” When home, they frequently attend church services with their family, volunteer, and even give thanks before meals. From all peripheral appearances they are collected and well-meaning religious folk.

To make matters more complex, they privately commit before leaving home that “this deployment will be different.” However, for a variety of plausible reasons, they routinely forget and leave their value system behind on the Pier. As the ship pushes off, their sincere devotion quickly fades and slips into the depths of non-existence, only to reappear on the voyage home.

Category #3 has become skilled at deception and living comfortably within their own inconsistencies. The dichotomy of their two approaches is disturbing because they are intuitively aware the two totally distinct personalities conflict. They justify what has now emerged as a “lifestyle” suggesting, “I’m not this way at home with my family. . . .so, it’s okay.” But deep down they doubt the validity of their own argument.

Category #3 swiftly asserts they’re not proud of who they are or what they’ve become. “But Chaps, this is the military! It is what it is . . . .” The implication is deafening: They rationalize that spiritual people cannot and will not be effective in this military culture. In their mind the split personalities are now completely justified.

In Category #3’s consciousness, they know their “arrangement” is not compelling. And to make matters worse, they battle internally for something new because deep down they’re convinced of only one truth: They’re not satisfied! Category #3 silently longs for something richer, more fulfilling, and rewarding.

Category #3 is exhausted by the emotional gymnastics and finds it difficult to develop a cogent, clear program for moving forward. They are stuck in a bad cycle, and they know it. Rather than torment themselves with thoughts of yet another failed attempt at change, they resign themselves to suppress the sentiment for change deep down into their being and quickly move on. They convince themselves to be content living as one trapped between two worlds. God forbid anybody would ever find out what they really think. . . .

Category #4—“Isolated & Alone”—This group lives with a single reality each day—being committed to their faith makes them a secluded minority who is often professionally and socially marginalized. They diligently seek opportunities to practice and apply their faith regardless of the level of acceptance in their particular environment. They read their devotions on a routine basis, attend services, volunteer, and look to apply their faith in meaningful ways.

“Chaps, what’s the problem with this group? Isn’t this what you want. . . Man, you’re not happy with anybody!” Well, let me explain. . .

This group lives in the awkward tension of the inner-personal. They silently struggle with the dominating and crippling thought: “I’m all alone here.” As they examine their peers, they are conflicted by one prevailing thought: “I’m an oddity; quickly fading, and living on the verge of extinction.” To make matters worse, they secretly speculate if living their faith consistently is really worth it. They’re frequently lonely, disenchanted, and socially isolated from others. They want to make a positive spiritual contribution but don’t see a lane for that to occur.

Conclusion—Well, that concludes my brief synopsis. Now you might be thinking: “Wow, this article is very judgmental and assumes a lot about people.” But I’m only familiar with these categories of people because I’ve been all of them at one time or another! Does that surprise you?

Ultimately these categories describe my own journey and experience with God. I’ve been them all! How about you? Were you able to locate yourself?

I was once completely out of sorts with God and saw no real practical role for Him in my life. Honestly, most Christians were just a nuisance to me. I would privately reflect: “I know God’s real, but so what? Who cares? He has made no visible or tangible difference in my life or the lives of others. So why waste my time?”

I could see no outlet for me to express my faith that made sense to me. Then, as life’s circumstances began to churn around me and situations became more challenging, I grew closer to God—more accepting for the ways I could meet Him in church, prayer, and even in the fellowship of people with true faith. Knowing He loved me and wanted the best for me I made room for my gracious God who became central in my thinking and experience . . . .even while I was bombarded by life’s pressures and demands. I was not alone. . . .and my faith was deepening in joy. Hope and peace became my companions as my personal relationship with Jesus Christ became the anchor for my soul—and the assurance of eternal life with Him became my perspective.

Looking back with more than twenty years of hindsight on my faith journey, I can say (without reservation) it has been the best journey of my life. I have absolutely NO REGRETS! How about you?

Questions to Share:

1. What is this deployment was as much about your spiritual life as it was the military?

2. What if strengthening your personal spiritual life would actually improve your professional work and bring greater satisfaction to your life? Why would you resist that . . . ?

3. What is God was attempting to use situations or people around you to get your attention . . .? Do you see any evidences of God working in or around your life? If you look closely, I would suspect you would quickly find Him.

4. What one character flaw hinders your life most today? What will you institute that will help you to improve? What’s your motivation for changing or working on “you”?