THE PROBLEM WITH FEAR
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 1-4

"When Ishbosheth heard about Abner's death at Hebron, he lost all courage, and his people were paralyzed with fear." 2 Samuel 4:1 NLT

Ishbosheth had been a fan of Abner's.

He stood by him. He served him. He rode on Ishbosheth's coattails. He, well, he worshiped him. 

So when Abner was killed, Ishbosheth didn't know what to do.

Ever found yourself in that spot?

Things change...

Circumstances flip-flop...

Someone leaves...

Plans go awry...

The Scriptures tell us Ishbosheth lost all courage and was paralyzed with fear.

Those are side effects of wrongly placed emotions and admiration.

Had Ishbosheth placed his confidence and value in the Lord--things would never have changed for him.

It's a lesson for us all.

A lesson I'm not believing to be haphazard in it's timing for my life and heart. You see, tomorrow begins the ministry of a new pastor at our church. The previous pastor had served 24 years--and well, I've got to admit I was a huge fan of his. There are plenty of emotions involved with the change at hand. This Scripture will be a reminder to me of the simple fact: pastors have changed, God has not!