A Policeman Reflects

PC Gary Bentley Chair of the Hertfordshire Christian Police Association writes;

The last few months have been difficult for all of us and for a variety of reasons; extreme weather and the devastating effects of this, mental health issues in the public eye, the uncertainty of Brexit even though we have now (kind of) left, Covid-19 and the impact of this not just nationally but worldwide. There has been a lot to take in and that is not even considering the stuff happening to us personally.

So coupled with the events that have been piling up, with the sense of frustration and anger that many feel, life can sometimes lose perspective and little things boil over into bigger ones; we get annoyed over trivial things, we argue when it would be better to listen, we are keen to impress our opinion when that other person doesn’t necessarily need to hear it, we forget to look inside instead of just outward.

My Christian friends continue meanwhile to go through life seemingly on an even keel, the waters around them apparently un-rippled, taking life in their stride and everything that is thrown at them. What some of them have been going through has been awful and I would not want to experience myself, but they always remain faithful to the Lord and just carry on praying and asking for prayer. They don’t blame others, they don’t moan about how unfair life is, they know God has a plan and that He is beside them all the way. Oh how I wish I could be more like them sometimes!

As James 1:19 puts it

“…let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath”.

So whatever life is throwing your way, be sure of one thing; He is with you, He has put you here and He will never leave you.

Isaiah 41:10

“fear thou not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you; yea I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.”

John 16:33

“These things have I spoken unto you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Heavenly Father, 

Thank You for the love you have for us; for filling the hearts of emergency workers, care workers and others in life at this moment who are putting themselves at risk to protect and help others. Help us to remember that in the midst of all this uncertainty, this frustration and fear, You have a plan for all of us and that as much as we possibly can, we take this time to reflect and to appreciate what we have been given by Your Grace.

I pray for the world’s leaders and scientific experts as they make difficult decisions, that they will be guided by You and they will not take the easy path but the right path, to lead the world and their countries out of lockdown and into some sense of normality. I pray for patience, understanding and unity among the world’s population as they react to these decisions.

Remind us to keep talking to each other, to contact the lonely and to help the isolated. May we continue to adhere to the lockdown rules, to protect each other and the NHS and above all, live by Your Word.