When Ish-Bosheth son of Saul heard that Abner had died in Hebron, he lost courage, and all Israel became alarmed. 2 Samuel 4:1

Ish-Bosheth reigned over Israel for two years. Second Samuel tells that he lost his courage when he heard that his commander died. What happened next, even though only five words in English, should be a warning to all leaders: your people expect you to remain calm in the face of adversity. If a leader panics and the people see that, they become panicky as well. They figure, rightly or wrongly, if the leader is that concerned, so should we.

In the next few days, watch your leaders carefully. Most, if not all, are even keeled. When President George W. Bush was in office during the tragic events of 9-11, when you saw his face, you knew that something was very wrong. You didn't know exactly what happened, but you knew something was amiss. Leaders don't often show a lot of emotion, but when they do it has meaning. They like to give the perception that everything is fine.

Pray for the President and Congress that they will seek God now and when they are in the midst of crises.