Serving the Shield Police and Fire Chaplains
As chaplains, we spend a good portion of our lives serving those who serve us. We walk alongside first responders through trauma, crisis, loss, and the everyday demands of a profession that rarely slows down. We encourage them to care for themselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually. But we must ask ourselves an important question: Are we practicing the same healthy rhythms we encourage others to embrace?
From the very beginning, God established a rhythm of work and rest. Genesis tells us that God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh. In Deuteronomy 5:12–14, He instructed His people to observe the Sabbath as a day set apart for Him. The principle is clear: God created us to work diligently, but He also created us to stop, rest, delight, and worship.
Rest is not a sign of weakness or a reward we must earn. It is a gift from God. Yet, like a toddler resisting a nap, we often fight the very thing we need most. We convince ourselves that one more task, one more phone call, or one more commitment cannot wait. Over time, an unhealthy rhythm takes its toll on our bodies, emotions, relationships, and spiritual lives.
A healthy rhythm of life must include intentional time with the Lord.
Jesus modeled this for us. Luke 5:16 tells us, “But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.” Even with constant demands and people seeking His attention, Jesus regularly stepped away to be alone with the Father. If Jesus made this a priority, how much more do we need it?
Our time with God should be more than preparing a devotional for someone else or praying when a crisis arises. We need personal, consistent time in Scripture, prayer, and worship—time when we put away distractions and give the Lord our undivided attention. Just as Elijah encountered God in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:11–13), we must create space to be still enough to hear Him.
For some, that may mean getting up a little earlier to read Scripture and pray before the day begins. For others, it may mean establishing a regular Sabbath, taking a quiet walk, or setting aside uninterrupted time with the Lord. The specific rhythm may look different for each of us, but the priority remains the same: we cannot neglect our relationship with God and expect to remain spiritually healthy for the long haul.
Matthew 11:28 records Jesus’ invitation: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Notice that Jesus invites us to come to Him. True rest is more than catching up on sleep or taking a day off. Our bodies need sleep, but our souls need the restorative presence of God.
When we establish healthy rhythms of work, rest, family, and time with the Lord, we are better equipped to serve our emergency responders with wisdom, compassion, patience, and spiritual strength. The time we spend with God sustains us for the work He has called us to do.
So, fellow chaplains, let’s practice what we encourage others to embrace. Work hard, serve faithfully, love your families well, and make room for genuine rest. Most importantly, protect your time with the Lord.
You cannot continually pour into others if you neglect the One who fills you. Stop. Rest. Delight. Worship. Return to the presence of God—not simply to become a better chaplain, but to grow deeper in your relationship with Him.
Thank you again for Serving the Shield,
Jeff A. Rosenberry
Spiritual Care Coordinator
