Speak Up – The Presidential Prayer Team

I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation. – Psalm 40:10

Glossophobia—up to 75 percent of Americans are affected by it. Are you? It is a fear of public speaking. Psychologists say it is probably the most common form of anxiety, and can range from a slight nervousness to paralyzing fear and panic. Often those who suffer through it do so with shaking hands and a quavering voice, no matter how much preparation they’ve had.

It helps to know your subject, to organize what you are going to say, visualize your success and then take a deep breath—but not too many… you don’t want to hyperventilate. That would only make matters worse.

Many will never be called upon to give a public speech. Yet, as a follower of Jesus Christ, you will be challenged to speak up. Remember that the number one way psychologists say you overcome fear of speaking is to know your subject. How much time do you spend with the Lord? Is it real quality time? Are you looking to His Word for help in time of need, for reassurance that you are in His Will, and for ways to praise Him? Scripture offers that and so much more. Communicating in prayer with the One who loves you so much helps you know Him better. Then, as the psalmist David in today’s verse, you will be able to face the challenge of speaking up for the Lord by, if nothing else, recalling His faithfulness and the salvation received from Jesus Christ. And if you do get nervous, it’s okay. It’s normal.

Pray for those who hold public office and who know the Savior to be just as bold in speaking of Him as they are of an issue that confronts them.

Today’s Verse: Psalm 40:10

I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart;
I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;
I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness
from the great congregation.

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Recommended for further reading: Psalm 40:1-10

I waited patiently for the Lord;
    he inclined to me and heard my cry.
²He drew me up from the pit of destruction,
    out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock,
    making my steps secure.
³He put a new song in my mouth,
    a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
    and put their trust in the Lord.
⁴Blessed is the man who makes
    the Lord his trust,
who does not turn to the proud,
    to those who go astray after a lie!
⁵You have multiplied, O Lord my God,
    your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;
    none can compare with you!
I will proclaim and tell of them,
    yet they are more than can be told.
⁶In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted,
    but you have given me an open ear.
Burnt offering and sin offering
    you have not required.
⁷Then I said, “Behold, I have come;
    in the scroll of the book it is written of me:
⁸I delight to do your will, O my God;
    your law is within my heart.”
⁹I have told the glad news of deliverance
    in the great congregation;
behold, I have not restrained my lips,
    as you know, O Lord.
¹⁰I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart;
    I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;
I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness
    from the great congregation.