READ: PSALM 34: 15-22
The eyes of the Lord are open to those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help. (V. 15)
Command presence is an essential skill that needs to be modeled and practiced by all law enforcement personnel. It was taught in rookie school and stressed during my first years on the job by senior officers. It essentially translated into showing that you were in control, to the best of your ability, of every situation that came your way. Command presence was exhibited by showing a confident demeanor though your physical appearance; voice inflections; ability to make quick decisions; and firmness of action. It was never dependent upon physical size, gender, nor cultural background. It relied upon your ability to project the mantra of, “I am here and this is the way things are going to be done.” Its positive display made the critical difference between escalation and deescalation. Additionally, when you entered your “command presence mode” you remained focused and vigilant on the situation or person at hand. Losing focus, even for just a brief nano-second, could make the difference between going home or to the funeral home. Command presence was a skill to be learned, practiced, and re-enforced every day you entered the fray of keeping your nation, state or community safe and secure. When the very nature of your job requires that you run into trouble, displaying positive command presence is not an option!
Wishing our lives could be trouble free is not grounded in reality. Every life is filled with the pain of grief, loss, sorrow, failure and the daily frustrations that wear down our physical, mental and spiritual reserves. That is when we need to seek the “Commanding presence of God.” Seeking God’s presence makes the difference between being able to navigate the storms of life or floundering and sinking beneath their angry waves. Retired Pastor John Smith of King Street Church in Chambersburg, PA, indicates the way to come into God’s presence is to actively communicate with him through prayer, scripture reading and listening for the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Drawing close to God brings him closer to you (James 5:8). Once you take these active steps of faith and trust, you open the door fully to God’s loving and graceful presence. A presence that will heal your brokenness and give you the power, courage and wisdom to get through life’s inherent difficult times and situations.
PAUSE FOR REFLECTION AND PRAYER
God’s commanding presence was the power that gave life to our universe and everything that exists within it. He omnipresent and vigilant never loses focus on his plans for each of us—plans to prosper us and not to harm us. Plans to give us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). When your life seems to be spiraling out of control, grow closer to your Creator!
Dear God, help me center my life fully in your presence—there is no other option.