READ: PSALM 23
The Lord is my shepherd I have everything I need. (v.1)
My favorite fictional books deal with mystery, intrigue, espionage and fast action. The last two books were stories of hostage rescue situations by trained teams of military or law enforcement personnel lead by one larger than life commander. In each case the teams were required to walk in the “valley of the shadow of death” to affect the rescue of the hostages.
When I finished the second book, it suddenly dawned on me that all individuals who make the decision to protect and serve our country and communities walk in the shadow of death every day they report for duty. In my chosen profession of law enforcement, my fellow officers faced many unknow dangers during their tours of duty. Who is in the car being stopped for the traffic violation? Is this just another routine malfunctioning alarm or is it the real thing? What will be waiting at the scene of a domestic situation? How will we execute the search warrant on a drug-dealers place of business? Where do we stop a car identified as being involved in an armed robbery? These are just a small sample of the questions filling the minds of police officers daily. Yes, the “valley of the shadow of death” is not just written in books for exciting reading, it is a reality in the daily work environment of thousands of men and women who have made the commitment to protect and serve.
Comfort for those working in the shadow of death comes from being a part of a family whose members are bound by an unspoken oath to care for each other no matter the situation or the cost. The wail of the distant siren or the calm voice of a brother or sister on the radio were ever present assurances that you were never alone, on the first on the scene. While not formally acknowledged, many of us riding into the heat of battle took great solace in the words of the 23rd Psalm— “Yes though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, cause Thou art with me.” We may not have recited these exact words, our eyes frequently glanced upward, or brief silent prayers assured us that Jesus was our partner and everything would be alright!
PAUSE FOR REFLECTION AND PRAYER
Do you realize that we are all living in the shadow of death?
Jesus, thank you for your unfailing presence in all the seasons of our lives. Continue to shepherd those who have dedicated their lives to law enforcement and be with them each and every day.