Lay Down Your Fears Before God
LENT DEVOTIONAL 2026 | DAY 23
Luke 12:1–34 (NIV)
By Woon Kee Yang, Associate Lay Leader, Local Church Executive Committee
READ:
Luke 12:1–34 (NIV)
In Luke 12:1–34, Jesus teaches His disciples several truths for faithful living. First, He warns against hypocrisy, described as the leaven of the Pharisees. God sees beyond outward behaviour and religious appearance; nothing is hidden from Him. True faith begins in the heart.
Second, Jesus addresses fear. He contrasts fear of people, rejection, and persecution with reverent fear of God. God is not distant or uncaring; He values us deeply, even knowing the number of hairs on our head.
Third, Jesus speaks about acknowledging Him openly and warns against blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Biblical scholars have generally understood this not as a one-time verbal mistake, but as a persistent and conscious rejection of the Holy Spirit’s witness to Jesus—going so far as to call God’s work evil (Matt 12:22–32).
Finally, through the Parable of the Rich Fool, Jesus confronts anxiety and misplaced security. Life is uncertain, and possessions cannot guarantee the future. Instead of storing up earthly wealth, Jesus calls His disciples to seek God’s kingdom, trusting that God knows their needs and will provide.
When I reflect on the temporary nature of life on earth, I must admit that I often spend too much time planning for material needs, and wants, while feeling anxious and conforming to worldly standards, rather than resting fully in God’s grace and provision.
The song “This World Is Not My Home,” popularised by Jim Reeves, reflects Hebrews 13:14: “For here we have no lasting city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.” While careful planning and stewardship are important, Hebrews 13:16 reminds us not to neglect doing good and sharing with others, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
As a first-generation Christian, I have observed that many seniors, especially within the Chinese community, whether educated or uneducated, hold a deep sense of filial piety. I respect their values of responsibility, loyalty, and integrity. Yet, due to long-held cultural expectations, many struggle with fear of rejection or being ostracised if they follow Christ.
Christianity is also sometimes dismissed as a western religion, not out of malice or wilful rejection of God, but because of identity, tradition, and fear of losing face.
In my view, we can lay our fears before God and release the burden of earning family and community approval to the Lord. We can seek God’s wisdom to act in a manner that does not dishonour our parents and ancestors or appear to be disloyal. Let us trust in God’s grace as He grants us the strength to bring renewed hope and transformation to others, especially the elderly, as we confidently assure them of their eternal companionship in Christ.
This Lent, I will commit to the following:
- Living honestly before God, guarding against hypocrisy and worldly conformity so as not to stumble others.
- Fear God rather than people, trusting His care and knowledge of our lives.
- Acknowledge Christ daily and respond humbly to the Holy Spirit with repentance and obedience.
- Seek God’s kingdom first by stewarding and sharing what He has given, trusting Him for provision.
[ Reflection Questions ]
- What fears influence your decisions and faith today?
- Where might you be relying more on your own plans or others’ approval than on God’s grace?
- How can you honour your family and cultural heritage while faithfully following Christ?
