More often than not, there are times when anxiety feels like my closest friend. It greets me in the morning, my heart rate rising with the sun. It follows me to the mirror, to the breakfast table, to the car, to work. It is the shadow I can’t get rid of, an endless churning of guilt and shame and fear in my heart and mind. It’s a disease, a chemical imbalance, a generational struggle.
This particular passage in Luke features a lot of anxiety, from the revelation that nothing hidden won’t eventually be known, to the fear of death, to the “unforgivable sin,” to Jesus’s famous command not to worry because we are worth more than the wildflowers and the sparrows.
I tend to read Luke 12 as if it’s all about me: what I worry about, what I value, what I should or shouldn’t do. Don’t be like the Pharisees; fear God. Don’t be afraid; acknowledge Jesus as the Christ and don’t deny Him. Don’t blaspheme the Spirit (which is considered the “unforgivable sin,” the denial of Jesus’s work to the point that one considers it to be demonic). Don’t store up treasure for myself. Don’t worry about clothes or food—and on and on.
While I do think Jesus is teaching us a lot about ourselves, our worldly impulses, and the things we worry about, He is also revealing much about God, His character, and His work. There are three specific truths I want to rest in today: first, the sovereignty and care of the Father; second, the advocacy of the Son; and finally, the provision of the Holy Spirit.
The Father: In Luke 12:6–7, we see a clear picture of the limitless power and the all-surpassing knowledge that God possesses. Everything hidden will be revealed. This would be terrifying if it weren’t for the next part. Even though everything awful we’ve ever done will made public, our belief in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus makes us clean before God.
The Son: In verse 8, Jesus tells us that if we acknowledge Him, He will acknowledge us in the presence of God the Father (“before the angels of God” is a reference to God’s presence). He is our advocate in prayer before God, but He is also our advocate for salvation before God, the righteous Judge.
The Holy Spirit: Verse 12 teaches that the Holy Spirit is our provider, who will give us the words we need to acknowledge Christ when we are persecuted. Jesus promises His followers that the Spirit will give them what they need to continue in faith.
In a passage known for its treatment of anxiety, Luke assures us that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit are working together in perfect unity, to care for us in perfect knowledge, perfect advocacy, and perfect provision.
I may battle my anxiety until the day I walk into glory, but the death of my anxiety is assured because of the life of Jesus. The more the book of Luke reveals to me about the beauty of the Son, the closer I feel to the heart of the Father.
Melanie Rainer is a bookworm from birth who makes her days writing, editing and reading in Nashville, where she also joyfully serves as the editor of Kids Read Truth. She has an M.A. in Theological Studies from Covenant Seminary, spends as much time as she can in the kitchen, and can’t wait until her two daughters are old enough to read Anne of Green Gables.
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48 thoughts on "Acknowledging Christ"
Luke 12:12 “…for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”
Man did I need to hear that today! Re-entering the world during a pandemic has been very difficult. It is very reassuring to know that the Holy Spirit will teach me what I ought to say!
This really hit home with me. I constantly allow myself to focus on the little things that then turn into big things and then make me anxious. I have a way of missing the good moments because I’m already thinking and worrying about the next thing, instead of giving it to God. This reading today has definitely reminded me that my peace is through Christ and I must pray and trust that instead of leaning on myself or others.
So, I got behind in this plan and reading this specific portion today was just what I needed! Thanks, Jesus for always knowing what I need to hear in my time with You!
This message was so helpful and necessary. My anxiety levels have been through the roof lately. I had a woman at church Sunday tell me I am pregnant. There is only a slim chance that this could be true, but we are no where near ready to start growing our family this way. I trust God’s plan, but I dont want to have a baby right now. The unknown is driving me crazy. I’m glad I read this two weeks later. What can worrying do?
Praise God it gets Better- the panic and anxiety.
I know that I definitely live with anxiety every single day of my life. I currently have to take three different anxiety medications to control it (one I am slowly weaning myself off of). It is so difficult to let go and let God most days. I want to be able to have control over everything in my life.
I know the phrase that if you want to make God laugh, all you’ve gotta do is tell him your plans. God’s plans are above our own. God directs us down different paths so that we can grow to the best of our abilities as a human being. When I graduated high school, my plan was to go to the most prestigious college in my state, graduate with a History degree, and eventually pursue a law degree. Those dreams and plans were crushed when I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease my sophomore year of college. Had that not happened though, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I may not know Christ as intimately as I know him now.
I could have never met my amazing husband. My amazing husband who stands beside me during my struggles with anxiety and depression and panic attacks. They’re just horrific things I must face right now and it brings me comfort knowing that he’s on my side. Not only him, but more importantly, Christ is on my side. He knows what I can handle and I need to cast my burdens on him.
I think there is a typo. The author of the post wrote: “The Father: In Luke 12:6–7, we see a clear picture of the limitless power and the all-surpassing knowledge that God possesses. Everything hidden will be revealed. This would be terrifying if it weren’t for the next part. Even though everything awful we’ve ever done will made public, our belief in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus makes us clean before God.”
However, Luke 12:6-7 isn’t about everything hidden will be revealed. That’s in verses 2 and 3 of chapter 12.
Thank you, Melanie, for reminding us of these truths. Thanking God for his unending love and care for us.
This is beautiful. We live in a culture that makes everything about Me. And while anxiety and worry are a very personal issue, realizing that the solution is not about me at all is very reassuring.
I’m new on this study and from Asia. I feel so anxious recently as I’ve committed a big sin and really unworthy to be called a Christian. I’m still trying to come to terms with my abortion but pray for me and with me, sisters in Christ.
I have been so anxious about my future, how me and my S/O (who is yet a believer) are gonna work out our future, anxious over fertility issues after the abortion and anxious about my own walk with God.
I’m definitely not where I need to be in my walk with Christ. Please pray for me!
Praying for you Felicia! We are all unworthy, but that’s what makes His love for us so amazing. Nothing you do can ever separate you from that love. Push back against those thoughts, because the enemy is going to try his best to make you feel anxious and guilty. There’s a plan for you and your S/O and it will play out just as it should.
Hi Felicia,
How brave of you to share so honestly with us. I have just prayed for you and your partner. Keep reading God’s Word and keep praying to Him. I feel unworthy of God’s love too (a lot of people do). And when we read the Bible, there’s many accounts of people feeling the same as you. King David was overcome with jealousy and greed for Bathsheba that he murdered her husband so that he could have her for himself. That’s a despicable act, but reading through the Psalms (most of them written by David) we get an honest and vulnerable insight into David’s thoughts, emotions and what he wrestled with. And one big thing that encourages me is that David keeps reaching out to God, when he’s scared, when he feels unworthy, he keeps reaching out. And God is there for him. He is a refuge, a fortress, a place of rest for David. And for us too. God uses David’s words as encouragement for so many people thousands of years later. And Jesus is even descended from Him. Life is scary, and it’s hard. But God is near, and He cares for you (and your partner too :)
When I’m anxious I find Philippians 4:4-9 so helpful and comforting. And hold tight to the truth of 1 Peter 5:7 “cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you.”
Felicia, you are so brave and so so loved by your Father! You are going through hard things, and my heart goes out to you. Know that the Gospel is true for you just as much today as any other day. You are loved, because God just loves you. You are worthy, not because of yourself but because Jesus calls you worthy. I agree with those who have already replied- there is hope, rest, refuge and healing found by pressing in to Christ. You are not alone, friend. May the Spirit truly be a comforter and friend for your heart today.
Love this
This is my first day as a reader on this site and I am so excited to have a tool like this to guide my readings in The Word.
Todays topic around anxiety was perfect for me. My anxiety at times can cause fear which can often lead to me possibly missing out something spectacular the Lord has in store for me because I often avoid circumstances that lead to feelings of anxiety. Great example.. finding a church family. Meeting new people causeds me to be so ridden with anxiety that I dread any circumstances that may involve me meeting a lot if new people at once. Yet, I yearn for a church family and I know God wants that for me too. I am so THANKFUL I can communicate with God about this, and I am also so grateful when I am speechless because of the fear the Lord knows my heart and thoughts without a word being spoken. It’s this knowledge that helps me know I will overcome this. Have a blessed day!
To Shelbyrae and Alexandra, I’m right there in that stage of life with you both, with uncertainty as I just finished college and anxiety that’s makes me doubt what’s next and makes me afraid that my anxiety will get in the way of the things I want to do in my life. But God, even through all my doubts and fears has shown me that his plans prevail and that he is making a way for me. He provided a job that is absolutely perfect for me and never in my wildest dreams could I have planned for the circumstances surrounding my new job. That’s why he’s God and I am not! He sees the bigger picture and he is working in ways that I don’t understand. I pray for peace for you as you move on to the next stage in your life. It’s scary, I know. But God is bigger than all our fears and doubts and worries. I questioned that but I have seen his presence in my life, refuting those lies. I pray that he would show you his faithfulness and while you wait, that it would strengthen your faith in him.
This passage brought tears to my eyes! I am a teacher who has definitely had her share of anxiety in the past few years. To the point where I have wanted to give up and quit and move on to a job that is less difficult. But I have prayed and prayed for God to reveal to me what I should do. When I was home with family for Thanksgiving break, I thought “This is it, I really can’t teach after this year. I’m done”. And God went on to hit me hard with some full blown, can’t breathe anxiety throughout my first day back after break. Not anxiety over teaching, but anxiety over LEAVING teaching, and leaving my students, who I do love so much. Since then, he has provided SO MUCH to reveal to me why he wants me teaching. He is GOOD and He provides.
Loved this passage and Thankyou for a fabulous devotion to go with it. If anyone is looking to a great song to point you to Jesus, our great healer in times of anxiety and depression- P E A C E by Hillsong’s Young & Free is beautiful song.
…”when anxiety feels like your closest friend” is definitely something I can relate to today, the past few days, weeks, and months when it comes to worrying about a future that is unknown and present things that seem to overwhelm me.
Resting in the truth that our Father is omniscient, the Son is our advocate, and the Holy Spirit will guide and give us words to speak. All truths that are evident throughout Luke 12.
I will be praying for you today for peace and Gods provision Lyna! Greater is He who is in you than He who is in the world.
Do you ever read something and think they author wrote it for you. That’s how I feel today with the passage in Luke and also the discussion. There is so much unknown in my world right now, I graduate college soon but I dont know where I’m gonna work where I’m gonna live what God is calling me to do. I’ve found myself worrying a lot more than normal and I needed this reminder that worrying isnt gonna do me any good but relying on Him and His goodness and grace and mercy is all I need. He has a plan that is so much better than my own plan.
Thank you, this is so perfect for me today as I struggle with anxiety & accepting it as part of my life. I know God made me the person I am for a reason
I really needed this today! I just started graduate school and I’m anxious that my anxiety will get in the way. But I needed this reminder that God, his love, peace, and grace, are far more powerful than my anxiety❤
Will be praying for you to have God’s peace as your start graduate school! Cast your cares upon Him, for he cares for you.
Thank you for your vulnerability! MANY are struggling in the same area. Believing with you to see an end to the anxiety you have inherited on this side of glory!
“For all things are possible for him (she) who believes.” Xoxo
I NEEDED this reminder today that GOD the Father, GOD the Son and God the Holy Spirit are working together for my benefit. They’ve got this. Such comfort. I too will ponder on this devotion throughout my day today
-don’t worry about your life.
-what you will eat or about the body
-life is more than food.
-don’t strive for what you should eat.
-don’t be anxious.
-but seek his kingdom, and these things will be provided. Don’t be afraid, little flock, because your father delights to give you the kingdom.
As I find myself in an ongoing 3yr struggle (battle is more appropriate) with my health I believe there’s nothing that gets more of my mental energy. It’s all consuming. Nothing is working. Nothing sticks. I never experience progress. Stuck is an understatement and being in a state of striving (or denial) is all I know. What might it look like if I stop seeking the answers I can’t seem to find and I start seeking His kingdom? What might happen??
You will notice that the man had an abundance and so he used that abundance to store up the extra – rather than feeding the hungry. He likely thought he could live in abundance for the rest of his life without depending on God. Jesus almost always speaks to the heart posture rather than the tasks we should do or not do. Other sisters have pointed to good references – I also recommend the Crown ministries study. Definitely save but give God your whole heart, and you might see your spending habits change. :)
Will be reading and meditating on this devotion for quite some time. I too tend to focus on the do’s and don’t’s in these verses instead of God’s loving provision. My mind and soul are resting easier today because of the reminder. Thank you, Jesus. And thank you, Melanie. Blessed by you both this morning.
Angie, thank you so much for your summary and words of wisdom. This was a heavy day!
“And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you” (Lk 12:29-31). My focus, my time, my mental energy need to be so centered on God that all my desire is for Him. He has promised to provide my needs. Worry doesn’t accomplish anything except to disturb my mind and distract my faith. He is my Father. He will provide.
“The death of my anxiety is assured because of the life of Jesus”
Thank you for those words!
Jaclyn,
It is not wrong to plan for retirement. He just doesn’t want us to forget that He is the one who has blessed us, and that it is up to us to help those who are in need. Be humble about what you have and be willing to give in anyway you can. It is wrong to NOT see where you can help others either finacially, with you time or with your prayer. God wants us to be comfortable, yet He wants us do His work. When you can help by donating money, do so. If it is time up can give do that, whether it’s teaching religious ed, ministering loved ones or cleaning out your closet for those in need, that is where we can help. Sometimes it is just a kind word or action when you notice someone in pain. Give graciously and with love. God Bless.
Jaclyn Gilbert~ In my study of Scripture, I can find no problem with saving. In this passage, Jesus states specifically states, “This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.” The question would be if pursuit of riches of creates neglect of God, family, ministry, giving, etc. Are we hoarders of money and possessions or do we share our blessings?
My husband and I are saving for “retirement” but honestly, I have no desire to simply “eat, drink and be merry” like this landowner. Walking away from my full-time employment (and my ministry in the workplace) just gives me an opportunity to move my ministry and mission outside the walls of the workplace.
The Scripture talks a lot about money and good stewardship. Blessings abound when we put it all in proper perspective.
The Father, Son and Holy Spirit in this explanation was eye opening to me !
First, thank you Angie! Loved your comments! Very encouraging!
So thankful for this word this morning: Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit. v35
Father help me be mindful to clothe myself with Your armor- Your belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes rushing to make peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and my sword/Your Word and may Your light shine to all those around me today!
Angie, your wise words brought me to tears. Thank you for being a light.
“I may battle my anxiety until the day I walk into glory, but the death of my anxiety is assured because of the life of Jesus. The more the book of Luke reveals to me about the beauty of the Son, the closer I feel to the heart of the Father.”
This! Of course! I knew this but never put it into words before now. But as I sit here feeling like I probably ground my teeth in my sleep again last night despite my anxiety Rx and my weighted blanket, I feel perfect peace. Yes my anxiety has changed the chemistry of my brain and unless God chooses to bring healing this side of heaven, I also will deal with “it until the day I walk into glory”, it then I will be free!! Thank you Melanie for your gift to remind me of the truth and thank you God for the hope of heaven!
Seek His kingdom. I chase after a lot of different things but am reminded, once again, that seeking God’s kingdom is the only desire worth chasing. All other desires are chaff. God is my portion!
Thank you, Lord God!
Is it wrong to store things up and plan for retirement? I want to trust God with my present AND future… but many things are uncertain. It feels irresponsible to walk blindly into the future without a storehouse. Can someone speak to this?
No, in proverbs the word speaks often of being wise and preparing for the future. I believe in this context, it’s referring to worry and stress over those things. Be wise. Yet be generous. If saving for retirement is more important to you than giving to someone in need, that is the caution. Be tender to the spirits leading, save reasonably yet don’t be greedy.
Hi Jaclyn! I went through a really amazing financial Bible study one time, called Crown Ministries, and as we studied what the Lord had to say about wealth, it became apparent that it was really wise to save for the future, however:
* it was also wise to plan a MAXIMUM savings amount (that would cover things like paying off the house, getting out of debt, having college funds for the kids, and having a realistic amount set aside for retirement), and to be extremely generous WHILE you are saving towards that goal AND once you reach your maximum amount, to give the rest away.
* The Lord sometimes displays his glory in allowing us to meet all these financial goals, But sometimes he allows his children to display his glory through great poverty and loss. We should be careful to never compare our ability to meet financial goals with his provision and care! Or His kingdom coming mightily in our lives!
* in studying the Scriptures, it was really emphasized over and over that our part is to be faithful with what little we have in front of us, and it is 100% up to him to be the provider and the protector.. He doesn’t ask us to meet all these financial goals on our own. We just have to be faithful and trust him as our Father and provider!
Hope this helps, sister! If you need specific scriptures to back this up, please let me know!
Where is your heart? That is what Jesus is getting at. He isn’t talking IRAs and 401ks. Where is your heart? Do you have comfort in thinking of the future because of what you have done or because of what He has done? Are you neglecting to help your brother because of your concern for your future self? The issue is always in the heart.
Thank you for your insightful comments Melanie! I had never read these chapters of Luke before from the perspective of God’s provision as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Our God is so amazing in how He weaves hidden truths throughout scripture!
There is heaviness in this chapter, UNLESS we chose to view it through the eyes of faith in our Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (that truth…so foundational in the devotion).
I always read and chew on only the scripture first, then the devotional. This is where my brain went while reading the Word.
There is nothing covered that won’t be found out – If I’m purposely saying or doing bad things and hiding it, then I should be afraid but, if I’m doing my best to please God and love others then I feel hope in the fact that the untruths, mean or evil things will end and “be found out.”
God has the power to throw people into hell – yes scary, and yet, He loves me more than a sparrow, gave His Son to die for me, and even knows the hairs on my head, peace.
Will I have the words I need in situations – yes, the Holy Spirit will give me what must be said – don’t worry.
Guard against greed – life is NOT in the abundance of possessions. Treasures that last are what matter, thankfully.
I’m not even supposed to worry about what I will eat or drink, (my weight, my job, my looks, or circumstances) I get a pass because – God knows what I (we) need. Seek His kingdom and these will be provided. Where my treasure is, there lies my heart. So, treasure the real treasures and have joy.
Be ready – prepare always, keep the Light on and shining. (Others will see Jesus through His Light in our life, just like the queen of Sheba noticed God in Solomon’s life), My destination is eternal life with Jesus, my Lord, and yet…the now is the “journey” and by His purpose I am on it.
God determines whether to entrust me with little or much, and I’m thankful for that. Since He loves me, He knows what is best, I can rest in that.
And even, the division of households…this could break my heart, if I would let it because of some present circumstances, but I chose to trust and although there may be division, I will pray, trust, and rest.
Here’s the other thing…I’m an older adult and have lived through many seasons in life (even several Psalm 88 times). At this stage I can look back with confidence and know, God has always been faithful. Now, some of the stuff I thought mattered, didn’t. Much of the stuff that niggled at my mind as being more important than I was giving it priority, was. What I treasured and how I prepared in the past will hopefully make me wiser for the journey that is left. I also recognize that suffering and difficulties, when journeyed through in Christ, though not easy – made me stronger, better, drawn me closer to Him. Therefore I am thankful, awed, and living in humble gratitude toward the Almighty.
We are never alone. God loves you, is with you, and is enough.
Be encouraged ladies and keep shining your Light – a single candle in the darkness may not totally brighten the room at first but, it does pierce the darkness and is a prepared source used by God to Light others candles.
Thank you Angie. It is Sunday morning and I’m going back to catch up on some reading it run across this. I needed this.
So much good truth and insight here!
I really needed this today. Thank you, Lord! Jesus