I’m seated in an exam room I’ve been to before- same clinical robe, same blue socks with the traction on the bottom, same key to lock my belongings in the locker. It doesn’t matter the number of times I find myself here, the experience is consistently filled with shaking legs and nervousness.
I’m waiting for this appointment to be over, but ultimately for it to conclude with an all-clear and a healthy result- all things beyond my level of control. I look in the mirror and see the signs of my nerves, red eyes filled with tears that I cannot hold back. The puffy eyes and tears are a combination of my nerves and the genetic abnormalities of my mother’s death, which is what leads me to these tests in the first place.
As I wait for the technician to come and get me, I count the number of times I’ve been worried and nervous in this room. I think the number is 4, though I can’t be sure, it could be higher. After the first couple of times, they all seem to blur together in a cloud of stress. One thing is certain: the number of times I’ve sat overwhelmed with nerves is less than the number of prayers I’ve spoken in this room and the rooms surrounding this one.
Each time I come to this hospital, I vow to surround my worries with prayer. I pray before the tests, during the tests, and after the tests are concluded. I wrap my nervous worries in a blanket of fierce and intentional prayer. And the beauty? It helps. It always helps.
God did not provide my worry, but he provided my relief. He calls me to be courageous and promises to be my strength and my peace. It is not easy, but it is a pursuit with a worthy cause—peace and trust.
I used to think I was flawed, or as if I carried a sinful defect– nervousness and sometimes even anxiety. I’ve learned that both of these things can be caused by circumstances out of our control, such as genetics, trauma, medical conditions, and the list goes on. I no longer hold shame for anxious or nervous feelings; instead, I focus on the hope and the comfort that comes in alleviating them.
As I sit in this anxious appointment, I will use the resources I have to get through this moment and all those to come.
I will take deep breaths.
I will shift my perspective to the present, grounded in gratitude and hope.
And then, I will pray– the most powerful resource available.
Did you know the bible speaks of our earthly worry? Do you know that it acknowledges the many complexities of experiences and circumstances beyond our control and power? It encourages us to place our fears, worries, and anxieties on God. Nervousness is a common and natural reaction to earthly stress; the key is using it to propel you to God’s empowerment and his presence.
When nervousness finds you, here are 6 pieces of scripture and a corresponding prayer to help soothe your worry and your fear.
6 Scriptures to Pray When You Are Nervous
1. “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”-Matthew 6:34
Lord,
Please keep me in this moment, knowing that you already know the outcome. Keep me tethered to the now and not worried about tomorrow or anything to come. Give me comfort knowing that your plan is a great one, even when it hasn’t unfolded yet. Keep me grounded in gratitude and in strength and let my worries dissipate through your grace and your comfort.
Amen.
2. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”-Philippians 4: 6-7
Lord,
Please ease my worry and my nervousness. I come to you with fear in my heart and disconcertment in my mind, both things I am not proud of, yet still true. Guide me with your love and a peace that knows no boundaries. Please fill my heart with the calm I know only you can provide.
Amen.
3. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” - Isaiah 41:10
Lord,
While fear and doubt swirl in my head, please remind me that you are the ultimate comforter. Please remind me of your love and your unwavering ability to strengthen me. Remind me over and over again of my trust for you. Be with me here in my nervousness until I have no fear.
Amen.
4. “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” - Psalm 94:19
Lord,
Please remind me that you are always near. Help me remember the steadfast ways of your love, comfort, and peace. Fill my mind with your joy to eliminate my worry and my stress. Be with me here, in this moment of weakness, guiding me with your beauty, erasing the fear and nervousness that has found me, not just in this moment, but always.
Amen.
5. “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” - 2 Timothy 1:7
Lord,
Nervousness has filled my mind. Please remind me that I am equipped through you with courage and strength. Help me live boldly by filling my mind with your truth and my heart with your limitless love. In this moment of uncertainty, please remind me that you are greater and more powerful than any struggle or challenge I may face. My worry my feel abundant and powerful, but it is you, and only you, who holds the power.
Amen.
6. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9
Lord,
You created this path that I am walking. Help me remember the beauty and intentionality of your ways and your creation. Though fear, nervousness, and discouragement are currently taking space in my mind and my heart, help me walk this journey, even when I cannot see what lies ahead. Remind me of my courage and strength, built from your promises. Be with me, here, in this moment.
Amen.
When you feel your worry is too big or your nerves are too powerful, remember God is bigger and more powerful than both.
You are protected. You are loved. You are comforted. And more than anything, you are covered by a plan greater than any fear your nerves create. Thanks be to God.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/AaronAmat
