13 Inspiring Scriptures for Police Officers

These uplifting scriptures for police officers are a great resource to help encourage your husband when he’s having a hard time with law enforcement life.

When my husband was in the academy, he struggled a lot.

I mean, the academy is hard on everyone.  It’s not supposed to be easy.

But he had a lot of moments of self-doubt, a lot of moments where he wondered if he was really in the right place.  He struggled with injuries and with getting past his chronic pain (which usually just meant toughing it out and pushing through.)

While he was so happy to finally be in the academy, it was still tough.  There were many times he had to ask God whether he really was where he was supposed to be.

To encourage him, I bought him a small set of scriptures (similar to this) and highlighted any that I thought would help him.  I used a blue highlighter to keep it “on theme” 🙂  I figured he could read them at the academy, then when he had his own cruiser, they could easily be stored away since they were so small.

It surprised me that there were so many verses that seemed to apply directly to law enforcement, and as I went through the pages and searched for them, I found more and more.  And they didn’t just help him – searching for them helped inspire me, too.

 

Note that if you do the same thing, you’ll no doubt find scriptures that speak specifically to your husband/family.  If you feel inclined to highlight it, do it!  These are super personal, and whatever you’ll find most inspirational is what you should highlight. 🙂

Also, if you’re looking for how to pray for police officers, check out this post: 6 Most Important Ways to Pray for Police Officers

13 Inspiring Scriptures for Police Officers

Blessed are the peacekeepers, for they shall by called the children of God.

-Matthew 5:9

This is by far the scripture you’ll see attributed most to law enforcement, and I love it.  Police officers are charged with keeping the peace, and it’s incredibly hard to do.  It requires so much sacrifice: their physical safety, their mental health, time with their family, and more.

For most police officers, it’s not just a job: it’s a calling.  This scripture is a great way to remind your officer of the importance of what he does.

 

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. 

-Deuteronomy 31:6

You know your officer is strong and brave.  But it’s nice to remind them of a reliable source of courage when they’re running low: God.

He’s always with your officer.  He’s there at every traffic stop, in every domestic call, with every split-second decision he’ll have to make.  This scripture promises just that.

 

Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle.  He is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, and in whom I take refuge.

-Psalm 144:1-2

I love this one.  I’ve actually seen it on the back plate for a Glock (at least the first part) which I think is really cool.

I just love the reminder of all the ways God supports our officers: by loving them, supporting them, training them, and providing refuge from the storm they face every day.

 

No weapon formed against you shall prosper and every tongue which rises against you in judgement you shall condemn.  This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me, says the Lord.

-Isaiah 54:17

Again, this is a reminder that if they walk forward in faith and courage, God will provide for them.  Any persecution or danger will be taken care of (ultimately) by the Lord.

 

When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.

Proverbs 21:15

How true is this?  It’s great to remind your officer that what he’s doing matters.  That when he does the right thing, it’s the important thing – whether he gets flack from those doing the wrong thing or not.

 

For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.

Romans 13:4

This scripture is almost an elegantly worded “protect and serve”.  It does a good job of summing up what a police officer does – and, again, the importance of it to God.

 

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

I love that this verse puts being unafraid in terms of a commandment.  That’s incredible, and speaks to the power of God to work everything for your good.

 

Greater love has no man than this, that he who lays down his life for his friends.

John 15:13

The fact that police officers train for extreme circumstances and are prepared to put themselves in danger for the good of others is astounding to me.  I want to think I’d have that courage, too, but I don’t know.

My husband, though? He’s been in situations where he’s proved that he’s willing and able to lay his life down to help others.  The reminder of the power of that love is wonderful.

 

If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.

John 15:18

This scripture is really helpful when you’re facing the war on cops.  I actually wrote a post all about how to cope when the world hates your husband because I think the perspective change it can bring is so powerful.

Looking at the persecution you’re facing as “par for the course” in this life helps it not feel so overwhelming.  It also reminds you that it’s not nearly as unfair as what Jesus faced, which can help you feel a little less sorry for yourself.

 

The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

Proverbs 28:1

This verse links in with a few of the others.  The righteous are bold because they have faith in God’s power and ability to look out for them.  It’s a helpful reminder to focus on the ultimate source of strength, and remember that God cares about the sacrifices they make.

 

Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.

Psalms 82:3-4

In addition to being prepared for battle, I love this reminder to officers about those who need care and protection.

 

God [is] our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Psalms 46:1

Seriously, your officer can never have enough reminders that God is always there for him.

 

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

-Ephesians 6:10-11

I love this reminder for my husband to connect with God regularly so He can provide for him.  Because God promises a lot, but many of the promises are contingent on living faithfully.  I want him to always remember he can turn to God when he’s struggling, that he can talk to Him about anything because He’s already seen it all.

 

This project was so incredibly helpful to both my husband and myself.  It helped us feel more connected to our purpose in life, and helped us to feel more secure in the fact God has a plan for us.

What’s your favorite police-related scripture?