No Longer Nervous

Bible Reading: Philippians 4:4-7

“I.don’t know why I agreed to play my guitar in the school concert,” Jude said at the

dinner table. “I’m really scared about performing in front of so many people!”

“Hmm…I remember another time you were really scared,” Mom replied. “That was the first time you had a toothache and had to go to the dentist. Do you remember what I did to help you feel more confident?”

“Yeah, I remember. I had to have the tooth pulled, and you stayed right there with me until the dentist was finished.”

“Yes,” said Mom. “Having me there with you helped you not to be afraid.”

“Yeah, well, I was just a little kid then,” said Jude. “If you came up on stage with me at the concert, all the kids would laugh at me.”

“They probably would,” said Jude’s dad, “but sometimes we really need somebody to be with us—like when I had to speak at a business luncheon a couple weeks ago. I was so nervous!”

“Really?” asked Jude. “I didn’t think you got nervous about things like that!”

“Oh yes, I do; in fact, almost everyone does.”

“How did you deal with it, Dad?” asked Mikayla, who had been listening with interest. She grinned. “Did you take Mom along to hold your hand?”

Dad laughed. “Well, I would have liked to, but I couldn’t do that. However, there was someone who I knew would be happy to stay with me.”

“Who?” asked Mikayla and Jude together.

“Jesus,” replied Dad. “When I prayed and depended on Him to help me, I was able to deal with my nervousness and give my speech. I even asked Him to give me the right words to use, and I’m sure He did.”

“Then…that should work for me too, right?” Jude asked thoughtfully. “But right now, I better go practice my piece again.”

After a good performance at the concert, Jude rejoined his family. “Did it work?” Mikayla asked. “Were you still pretty scared and wish Mom was up there with you?”

“Nope,” said Jude. “Anytime I started to feel scared, I prayed and asked Jesus to help me remember He was with me.” Jude grinned at his mother. “Having Him with me was even better than having you, Mom.” • Rob McIntyre

How About You?

Do you get nervous about giving a speech or performing in public? Or about participating in an important sports event, taking a test, telling a friend about Jesus, or completing some other scary task? At such times, it helps to have someone with you, doesn’t it? Someone you can trust. Jesus is always with you, and He wants you to trust Him for help in whatever you do. Whenever you feel nervous, pray and depend on Him.

Today’s Key Verse:
Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything…let your requests be made known to God. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Pray when you’re nervous