The nervous energy before a match can make your muscles tense and your memory go blank. Maybe the other team is ranked higher than yours. Maybe the teammate you rely on is out for the season. Maybe you’ve had trouble sleeping due to a recent injury. There are so many reasons why it’s hard to relax. It’s often much easier to be afraid.

Michi and Fernanda often experience this type of anxiety. Their go-to response? Remember Psalm 27:1. This psalm was written by David, who had to go on the run as a young man when King Saul found out that God wanted David to be king instead. He knew a lot about fear, too.

You, LORD, are the light that keeps me safe.
I am not afraid of anyone.
You protect me and I have no fears.
Psalm 27:1 (CEV)

The Teammates

Michi
Sport: Volleyball

Sometimes I struggle with fear and anxiety. When I feel afraid or nervous, these words give me peace. They remind me that I am not alone and that God helps me face challenges with courage. Knowing Jesus helps me be calm and humble. I’m learning to trust him in every situation and even thank him for my failures! Those failures strengthen my character and help me grow in my life and my sport.

Fernanda
Sport: Soccer

I’m learning that God is the one who strengthens me and carries me through my toughest battles, like facing a rival team. Remembering this helps me relax when I play because I trust that he cares about every part of my life—including soccer. Knowing Jesus reminds me that I am never alone. He is the most important teammate I could ever have! When I imagine him running beside me, it gives me peace and confidence, even during intense competition.

The Connection

Psalm 27:1 says God is the light that keeps you safe in every part of your life—including in your sport. This is the reason Fernanda can relax: she knows God cares about all parts of her life and is with her in every part, too. But does that mean God will always make things easy, including wins?

Michi understands that the courage and peace God gives us doesn’t depend on us getting the outcome we want. We don’t have to be afraid because we don’t have to protect ourselves, our reputations, and our futures—whether we win or lose, God protects us. He always has our best in mind.

For the Players

Reflect: What helps you stay calm when competition or life feels stressful?

Share: What’s your favorite Bible verse for moments when you’re afraid? Tell it to someone on your team!

Take a moment to pray:
Heavenly Father,
This is the day that you have made,
I will rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24).
No matter what happens,
Whether win or lose,
I will be strong and courageous;
I will not fear,
For I know you are with me (and my team)
Wherever I go (Joshua 1:9).
May I honor you
With all that I say (Ephesians 4:29)
And all that I do (Colossians 3:17).
Amen.

Press in! Take a moment to read: 1 Peter 5:7

For the Coaches and Parent

Read aloud with your team or athlete!

Fernanda mentions that trusting God helps her relax and play with confidence. Michi says that God gives her courage and keeps her calm. Many athletes struggle with fear, pressure, or self-doubt during competition.

A question for the team/athlete: What helps you stay calm when the pressure is high in a game or competition?

(Allow a few responses from the team/athlete, then read the follow-up message.)

Follow-up: Remembering Psalm 27:1 helps both Fernanda and Michi. When under pressure, some athletes pray, some repeat a verse they have memorized, and others take a moment to breathe and refocus. Learning how to handle pressure is an important part of both sports and life.

God wants you to release the pressure you feel and trade him all your fears for the freedom he wants you to have!