Life in 3D
By Brenda Pace, former President of the
international military women’s ministry
PWOC (Protestant Women of the Chapel)

(Brenda is an author and speaker for women’s events.  She is the wife of Church of God Army chaplain Richard Pace and currently resides in Washington D.C.)

Have you ever put on those crazy 3D glasses and experienced the sensation of everything around becoming dark and objects jumping out at you?  I have learned that in this life there will be dark times when it is like you are living in 3D.  The three D’s that seem to jump out at us are depression,
discouragement and dread.  It is as if you are wearing those 3D glasses that distort reality.  During a 3D time in the life of the prophet Jeremiah, when he found himself lonely and isolated, he wrote these words:

“He has driven me away and made me walk in darkness rather than light; indeed, he has turned his hand against me again and again, all day long.  He has made my skin and my flesh grow old and has broken my bones.  He has besieged me and surrounded me with bitterness and hardship.  He has made me dwell in darkness like those long dead.  He has walled me in so I cannot escape; he has weighed me down with chains”
(Lamentations 3:2-9, NIV).

Can you not feel the heaviness of the prophet?  Have you ever felt like this?  Have you ever asked questions like, where are You in this Lord?  Thoughts like these seem to be automatic during times such as illness, depression or transition.

As a military spouse, I have experienced my share of transition and at times have lived through them in 3D.  During one of these 3D times, I wrote my own lamentation in my journal on August 16, 1996.  “I feel alone.  This house is no companion, television gets old, the boys are uncommunicative, and Richard is too tired when he finally gets home.  There’s nothing I want to do, everything seems too hard, too much effort.  Why did we have to move here?  I’m trying to have the right attitude, I’m trying to be positive:  ‘I think we’ll like it’; ‘I feel anticipation’; ‘It’s a good place for the boys’; ‘The chapel is great’; blah, blah, blah.  Honestly, for today:  I don’t like it—it’s too far away—the town is too small—the house too isolated—the school too big—the carpet dirty—the linoleum scratched—the bathrooms small—the yard scruffy—the carport ugly—the people snooty—the kids grungy—I don’t want to be here!  Why did you make us come here Lord?  Why?”

During my times of 3D living, I have challenged myself to practice the three R’s.  No, this is not the old fashioned reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmetic.  Instead, it is something we can see modeled by Brother Jeremiah as we continue to read Lamentations 3.  He moans his complaints to the Lord (He can take it!), but then he says something key and essential in Lamentations 3:19-21:

“I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall.  I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me.  Yet this I call to mind…”

Jeremiah reflects, recalls and remembers.  Reflection is something used throughout the Bible during times of 3D living.  As we reflect, recall and remember God’s faithfulness in the past, we can be assured of His faithfulness in the present and the future.  The out of focus, exaggerated view of life takes on perspective.

Recently, I was asked to share my experience as a military spouse with several young women who are contemplating marriage to military men.  It has brought great satisfaction to reflect, recall and remember—and then to share with them how wonderful this life can be.  I’ve been careful not to paint too rosy of a picture.  But honestly, contrary to the negative press that the military too frequently receives—it can be a wonderful lifestyle. 

The results of practicing the three R’s can be the same for us as they were for Jeremiah:

“…And therefore I have hope:  Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."  The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord”
(Lamentations 3:22,23, NIV).

To strengthen your faith today, carry out these action steps:

• Regardless of how you presently feel, take a moment to reflect on times past.  Remember how the Lord has intervened in your life in a special way.

• As you recall His faithfulness, write Him a note of thanksgiving.

• How might you use the situation in a way to encourage someone else who may be going through their own 3D time?

Father, as I reflect on Your goodness to me, I can recall those times when You have been faithful.  I remember the times You comforted me and encouraged me.  I recall the blessings of life that I enjoy.  I remember the wonderful people who You have placed in my life through the years and I am grateful.  Today I choose to have hope as I remember Your faithfulness in my life.  I will seek You and wait on You to work Your completed will in my life and my circumstances. 

©Brenda Pace 2008.  Used by permission.

This material was adapted from Medals Above My Heart, The Rewards of Being a Military Wife by Brenda Pace and Carol McGlothlin, Nashville, TN:  Broadman & Holman, 2004.

Brenda is also the co-author of the book The One Year Yellow Ribbon Devotional—Taking a Stand in Prayer for our Nation and Those Who Serve (Tyndale House) to be released in September, 2008.

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