What to Say to Nervous Friends
It’s just a few hours until the show starts, but the leading actress can’t calm her nerves. What if I mess up? What if I can’t remember my lines? What if I blow the whole thing? Worried thoughts race through her mind, wreaking havoc on her stomach and head. Somehow “break a leg” doesn’t seem to break through the mounting tension.
Even the most confident people experience nervous-ness given the right situation. Sometimes we have to stand up in front of others to speak. Or confront a loved one who may reject our message. Or follow through on God’s calling—out of our comfort zone. The truth is, we all feel insecure at times, uncertain if we have what it takes to tackle the challenge that looms before us.
God understands. We see His words of encouragement throughout Scripture, knowing He was calling a nervous lot to look at Him for all the reasons we’d need to strengthen our feeble arms and weak knees. Like Peter, we tend to shift our focus off the Savior and onto the waves surrounding us. But with a good network of supportive friends who remind us of God’s sufficiency, we can step forward in faith—even on top of the water!
Life-Giving Words for Nervous Friends
“Don’t worry about how you should defend yourselves or what you should say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that very hour what must be said.” LUKE 12:11–12
Instead of stressing about what you’re going to say, just ask God for help. He promised to give you the right words at the right time when you rely on His Spirit for guidance.
Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. PHILIPPIANS 4:6–7
Let your anxious thoughts switch to thankful words. A grateful heart shifts our focus from ourselves to God’s greatness. He’s got this!
I sought the LORD, and He answered me and rescued me from all my fears. PSALM 34:4
Let’s ask Jesus to remove the fear and nervousness you’re experiencing right now and give you His lasting peace instead.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your cares on Him, because He cares about you. I PETER 5:6–7
Nothing is too big or too small to bring before our Father. Speak honestly, openly, and as often as needed about your worries. Then leave them all with Him to handle.
