Someone asked me, “Do you still get nervous on Sunday when you have to stand up and preach in front of everyone?”

The person who asked me was one of the men who regularly give communion meditations at our Church. He was scheduled to speak that Sunday and was feeling incredibly nervous.

The short answer is, “Yes.”

Over the years, however, I have learned to tame and channel those nervous emotions.

First, I have learned to put that energy into my preparation. It is amazing how much your nerves are reduced after spending time praying, preparing, and practicing. There is a direct correlation between the hours I spend preparing and the amount of nervous energy I feel.

Second, I have developed habits that help me manage my emotions. Prayer is the first key. Close behind that is walking while I practice my sermon on Sunday morning. The more energy I expend, the less nervous energy I have left.

Then, when I begin to speak, I try to say something that helps me relax. It might be a funny story, a humorous statement, or a personal anecdote. Once I get a reaction from the crowd, my mind can take over instead of my emotions.

All of these techniques have been developed over more than thirty years of preaching. But in the end, they are simply ways to mask and master my fear.

Yes, I still get nervous because I am about to speak for God and, hopefully, lead people toward Him. That is no small task, and I take it very seriously.

My nerves remind me every week of the importance of what I do. Even after all these years, I still get nervous, not because I need people to love what I have to say, but because I want people to love the Lord I represent.