I have experienced God’s presence in the wilderness in two very different ways—both
profound and life-changing.
When we think of “wilderness,” our minds often turn to remote forests, mountain trails,
or pristine rivers—places untouched by civilization. My first true encounter with
wilderness, however, occurred in the vast openness of the ocean. After graduating from
college on a Navy ROTC scholarship, I was commissioned as a U.S. Navy officer. Over
the next ten years, I served on three different ships, circumnavigating the globe from
two directions and spending more than four years physically at sea.
The ocean’s wilderness, though different from the traditional wooded terrain, was
equally stark and isolating. It was there, in the middle of the sea, that I came to a deeper
understanding of God’s power, beauty, and—perhaps most importantly—His closeness.
I witnessed conditions ranging from serene, mirror-like waters to massive 60- to 70-foot
waves, with my ship rolling more than 50 degrees from side to side. I have seen an infinite canopy of stars stretch across a blackened sky in breathtaking clarity. These
moments revealed to me the magnitude and majesty of our Creator, and yet, within that
immensity, I felt known. I felt seen.
In those times, the words of Joshua 1:9 resonated deeply:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Whether it was the beauty of a sunrise, the terror of combat, or the rocking of a storm-
tossed ship, I always sensed that God was with me. Though I grew up in the
church and thought I understood faith, those years at sea shaped and strengthened my
belief like never before. That foundation has supported me ever since.
Years later, I walked through another kind of wilderness—an emotional and spiritual
one. What some might call a “midlife crisis,” I now see as a season of refinement. Due
to a combination of my own poor choices and circumstances beyond my control, I found
myself at a personal low point. Most of my relationships unraveled. My finances were in ruins. My professional life was deeply challenging. I was, in every sense,
starting over.
The emotional burden during those years was often unbearable. Yet, I never once
asked, “Why me?” I never doubted God’s presence. While my support system
vanished, God had not. I simply knew—deep within—that He was still with me.
And slowly, through prayer, patience, and grace, He began rebuilding my life. The
pieces He gave me were not the same as before — they were better. My relationships
are now more authentic and meaningful. My professional life is more fulfilling. My faith,
tested and proven in the wilderness, is now unshakable.
Please don’t mistake this for perfection—I remain a flawed and imperfect man. But I
know without a shadow of a doubt where my strength comes from. God is alive,
present, and sustaining me every moment of every day.
Just as I felt His presence in the middle of the ocean, I experienced His unwavering
nearness in the wilderness of loneliness and loss. Through His mercy, strength, and
constant call to draw nearer, I have come to understand more fully what it means to
trust Him completely.
And like that passage from Joshua reminded me long ago, I am not afraid—for the Lord
my God is with me, wherever I go.
