“I am the Master of my fate, I am the Captain of my soul.”
When Willam Henley wrote those words in “Invictus,” he was facing the possibility of amputation of his leg because of chronic tuberculous bone disease. His other leg had already been amputated. That defiant, powerfully stated declaration declared his fierce determination to fight the impending darkness of his suffering.
Stoicism and persistence are admirable qualities. We applaud those who stand tall with heads held high, seemingly unconquerable, in the face of adversity. Henley’s poem encourages us to do better, to be stronger, to live more positively, to be victorious over severe challenges.
Courageous determination should be commended, but the poem does raises questions. Are we really “Masters” of our fate? Realistically, we have little control over events and their outcomes. Regardless of how carefully planned or good-intentioned or defiant we are, there are too many forces which yank control from us. We have to aquiesce to the reality of circumstances, to things which shake our world and disorient us whether natural disasters, personal tragedies, character defects, or relational upheavals. We may be brave, but we cannot manipulate everything that happens.
However, we can make positive choices when dealing with adversity; perhaps that is what Henley meant. Unfortunately, we approach life from the position of personal brokenness, and our responses are not always healthy. If we are truely “Masters” of our fate and “Captains” of our souls, why are we so easily frustrated? Why do we succumb to fallible thinking? Why does our society struggle with such high levels of crippling anxiety and depression and devastating addictions , violence, anger, and rebelliousness, let alone the pain of guilt and shame produced by our attitudes and behaviors?
Self determination is an exhausting, unsustainable solution for the soul’s needs. The Psalmist’s worldview is different than Henley’s humanism. He directs us to God and the strength, hope, and joy found in His redemptive work on our behalf and the development of a healthy emotional and spiritual life based on a believing, trusting relationship with Him: “The Lord redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned” (Psalm 34).
Within that redemptive context, courage, moral strength, and eternal hope are attained by other than our good intentions, worthy efforts, positive thinking, or faithful religious activity. They are enabled by God Himself and the confidence found in reverencing God, who values, forgives, and redeems us because of His merciful grace and our personal faith.
It is true that we may weave and stumble our way through life as Frank Sinatra sang in “I did it My Way.” But we cannot set the terms of or commandeer control of the ultimate condition of our souls. We need help. The book of Hebrews specifically identifies Christ as the Captain of our salvation, the founder and Author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 2:10; 12:2).
Christ has made possible the best Way to live—forgiven and free. His perfect life, his atoning death, his hope filled ressurection, and his promised presence are all the resources necessary to have victory over the consequences of sins, the suffering that life brings our way, and the fear of death.
He is the Redeemer and the Master of our ultimate fate.
Sweet Words from Maine 