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Bible Verses for When You're Nervous Before Surgery
Pre-op jitters are normal. Here are verses to read in the waiting room, the night before, or right before they wheel you back.
Open the app: verses for feeling afraid / nervous →13 verses to read slowly
Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.
Isaiah 41:10 (WEB)When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.
Psalm 56:3 (WEB)Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 (WEB)Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4 (WEB)The LORD will keep you from all evil. He will keep your soul. The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in, from this time forward, and forever more.
Psalm 121:7-8 (WEB)In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 (WEB)Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, I give to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.
John 14:27 (WEB)God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1 (WEB)You will keep whoever’s mind is steadfast in perfect peace, because he trusts in you.
Isaiah 26:3 (WEB)The LORD himself is who goes before you. He will be with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 31:8 (WEB)My times are in your hand. Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.
Psalm 31:15 (WEB)Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed. Save me, and I will be saved; for you are my praise.
Jeremiah 17:14 (WEB)For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7 (WEB)
There is something about signing consent forms and changing into a hospital gown that makes you feel small. You hand your body over to people you just met, and you can't control what happens next.
Notice that Scripture doesn't scold you for being afraid. Psalm 56:3 says "When I am afraid," not "if." Fear isn't failure. It's a doorway to trust. Isaiah 41:10 doesn't promise that nothing hard will happen. It promises that God will be with you, holding you up, in the operating room and the recovery room alike.
If your mind races, pick one short verse and repeat it slowly with your breathing. "My times are in your hand." Let the surgeon do the surgeon's work, and let God hold what no one in that room can. You are not going in alone.