Jim Croft

My father, Lt. Col. Lucian Croft, was awarded numerous bronze and silver stars for bravery in action during WWII and the Korean Conflict.  He led his troops through some of the most intense battles of those campaigns, yet his units incurred low causality rates.  Dad passed several years ago.  Intermittingly, those whom he commanded give my mother a call confiding that they always felt “safer” with him.  His secret?  Before each assault, he would personalize and declare Psalms 91, The Warriors Psalm over himself and his men.  This rendition was specifically composed for the heroes of America’s Law Enforcement Agencies.  Its contemporary language is in keeping with the spirit and intents of that which King David penned 3,000 years ago.  An officer can confess it/declare its guardian influences over themselves and their partners.  Shift/tour of duty commanders can claim the same for those in their charge.

Psalm 91:1-16

By faith, I call for the miraculous powers and protective shadow of the Almighty to cover my partner and me throughout this shift.  [2] I say of the Lord, "He is our refuge and our fortress and in Him do we trust. [3] Surely The Lord will deliver us from the ambushes of the wicked and the hazards of suspect searches.  [4] God is covering us with His bulletproof vests and our blind spots are shielded by the power of His presence.  For us, His name is Jehovah Got-Your-Back. His infinite reliability is our ever-present-backup for all situations. [5] We won’t be terrorized by thoughts of what the next call might bring.  We don’t panic about the creeps of darkness that potentially wait for us around every corner 24/7. [6] There will never be an occasion for our loved-ones to experience officers knocking at the door with heartrending news.  [7] Many bad-boys will be cuffed and scores of “perps’ will be subdued, but no harm shall come near us.  If need be, we will meet force with greater force.  [8] We’ll witness the evil get their due, but their devices against us shall fail.  [9] Because we envision ourselves in the Lord’s armored vehicle, Even the Most High, our dwelling place,  [10] No evil will touch us, Our homes will not be plagued by the diseases of the street nor its relational disharmony.  [11] God has assigned His angels with the responsibility for our safety on this shift.  They’re going to hover over us with protection at every turn.  [12] They will avert vehicular accidents from us and shield us from all types of injuries.  [13] We will catch all that stench of crime and violence, and will uncover their suppliers and customers.  Our cases will hold-up in court.”  [14] The Lord’s response to us is,  "Because you have set your confidence on Me, therefore I will deliver you; I will set you up for vocational advancement, because you’ve known My name.  [15] When you call upon Me, I will answer you; I the Lord will be with you when you find yourself in a mess; I’ll deliver you and you’ll be exonerated.  [16] Its My delight to give you a long and satisfying career with wonderful tales of God’s interventions to share with your children’s children.” 

Amen