2 Samuel 4:1  When Ishbosheth, Saul’s son, heard about Abner’s death at Hebron, he lost all courage, and all Israel became paralyzed with fear. (NLT)

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Courage is contagious, and so is fear.

Abner, the general of King Saul’s army, was murdered by Joab, the general of King David’s army. Abner established Ishbosheth as king over Gilead, Jezreel, Ephraim, Benjamin, and the land of the Ashurites (2:9). David was king over Judah. 

When Abner was killed, Ishbosheth knew he was in big trouble. He was vulnerable to attack and conspiracy in the absence of power after Abner’s death. Second Samuel 4:1 tells us Ishbosheth “lost all courage.” When he lost all courage, “all Israel became paralyzed with fear.”

We gain legitimate courage and confidence when we do God’s will, God’s way, in God’s timing. We stimulate courage and confidence in others when we hear God clearly and obey him conscientiously. 

Peak self-leadership involves living in a manner that allows us to be trusted to do the hard right things and to take the right leader measures. 

Mondays are good days to take the right lead measures, even when motivation is low and energy lags. The hard right thing sets a tone for the day and the week. It’s much easier to finish well when we begin well. 

What will you do today to stimulate courage and confidence in others?

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I will do the hard right thing and take the right lead measures.

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Our Father, empower me to do the hard right thing as often as necessary. Empower me to take the right lead measures in all things. Give me the tenacity to do what needs to be done when and how it needs to be done. Amen.