What Does The Bible Say About Letting Go
Letting go can be one of the hardest things we face, especially when we have put so much time, energy, and love into something or someone, but the Bible teaches us that there are moments when letting go is necessary and even part of God’s plan for our lives.
Sometimes we hold on to things because we are afraid of what might happen if we let them go, whether it’s a past hurt, a wrong done to us, a failed plan, or even a relationship, but God wants us to know that when we trust Him, He is able to take what we release and turn it into something good for us, even if it doesn’t feel like it right away.
The Bible tells us that holding onto things that hurt us or distract us from God can become a burden, and that letting go allows God to work in new ways in our lives, ways that we might not be able to see if we keep clinging to what is not helping us grow. Letting go doesn’t mean we are giving up, nor does it mean we are failing, but it does mean we are choosing to trust God more than our own understanding and control, and we are allowing Him to work things out according to His wisdom and timing. When we release these things to God, He promises to strengthen us, comfort us, and guide us, helping us to grow into who He has called us to be, no matter what we have been through.
We may fear losing something that feels important or wonder if we’ll ever find peace again, but God assures us that He has better things ahead when we are willing to release what holds us back, for He cares deeply about our freedom and peace. Letting go means stepping forward in faith, knowing that God is with us and that He will fill any gaps we feel along the way.
Trusting in God’s Plan
Letting go often requires us to trust in God’s plan, even when we can’t see what’s ahead. Trusting Him allows us to release control and find peace. These verses encourage us to lean on His understanding rather than our own.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.”
Jeremiah 29:11
“I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.”
Psalm 37:5
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust him, and he will act.”
Matthew 6:34
“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow.”
Philippians 4:6-7
“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.”
Romans 8:28
“That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.”
Releasing Worry and Anxiety
Letting go also involves releasing worry and anxiety. We’re called to place our burdens on God, allowing His peace to fill our hearts. These verses remind us of the power in surrendering our fears to Him.
1 Peter 5:7
“Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.”
Psalm 55:22
“Pile your troubles on God’s shoulders—he’ll carry your load, he’ll help you out.”
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest.”
Philippians 4:6-7
“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.”
Isaiah 41:10
“Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you.”
John 14:27
“I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned.”
Forgiving and Letting Go of Resentment
Forgiveness is essential to letting go. God calls us to forgive as we have been forgiven, releasing resentment and bitterness. These verses remind us of the freedom found in forgiveness.
Colossians 3:13
“Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you.”
Matthew 6:14-15
“In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others.”
Ephesians 4:32
“Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.”
Mark 11:25
“If you have anything against someone, forgive—only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean.”
Luke 6:37
“Forgive and you’ll be forgiven.”
Matthew 18:21-22
“How many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me? Seven? Jesus replied, ‘Seven! Hardly. Try seventy times seven.’”
Embracing God’s Peace by Letting Go
Letting go allows us to receive God’s peace that surpasses all understanding. When we release what burdens us, God fills us with His calming presence. These verses remind us of the peace we can embrace through trust in Him.
John 16:33
“I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world, you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.”
Philippians 4:7
“Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.”
Isaiah 26:3
“People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole, steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don’t quit.”
Psalm 29:11
“God makes his people strong. God gives his people peace.”
Romans 15:13
“Oh! May the God of green hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope!”
Colossians 3:15
“Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness.”
Moving Forward and Leaving the Past Behind
God calls us to leave the past behind, embracing His new mercies every day. Moving forward with Him helps us find freedom and purpose. These verses inspire us to release the past and focus on God’s promises ahead.
Isaiah 43:18-19
“Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new.”
Philippians 3:13-14
“I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.”
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new.”
Psalm 103:12
“As far as sunrise is from sunset, he has separated us from our sins.”
Hebrews 12:1
“Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins.”
Lamentations 3:22-23
“God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, his merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They’re created new every morning. How great your faithfulness!”
Finding Strength in Weakness
Letting go of our self-reliance allows us to experience God’s strength in our weakness. In surrender, we invite His power to work through us. These verses remind us that God’s strength sustains us when we let go of trying to do it all alone.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
“My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness.”
Psalm 46:1
“God is a safe place to hide, ready to help when we need him.”
Isaiah 40:29-31
“He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts.”
Psalm 73:26
“When my skin sags and my bones get brittle, God is rock-firm and faithful.”
Matthew 11:28-30
“Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
Philippians 4:13
“Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.”
Letting Go of Fear
Fear often holds us back from experiencing the fullness of God’s plans. Letting go of fear empowers us to walk in faith, knowing God is with us. These verses encourage us to release fear and trust in God’s unending love and protection.
Isaiah 41:10
“Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you.”
Psalm 34:4
“God met me more than halfway, he freed me from my anxious fears.”
2 Timothy 1:7
“God doesn’t want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.”
Joshua 1:9
“Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take.”
1 John 4:18
“There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love.”
Psalm 27:1
“Light, space, zest—that’s God! So, with him on my side I’m fearless, afraid of no one and nothing.”
Christian Quotes About Letting Go
“When we let go of our desire to control, God can work in ways that are beyond our understanding. Letting go is an act of faith, trusting that God has a better plan than we can imagine.” – Rick Warren
“You cannot embrace God’s future with your arms full of yesterday’s pain. Surrender what is past so that God can open your heart to what lies ahead.” – Joyce Meyer
“God will not ask you to let go of something without giving you the grace and strength to do so. He is with you every step of the way.” – T.D. Jakes
“We often find peace not by clinging but by releasing. Trust in God’s goodness, and let go of what you cannot change.” – Charles Stanley
“To let go is to rest in the hands of the Creator. God is calling you to lay down your burdens and trust Him fully.” – Max Lucado
“Letting go isn’t giving up; it’s giving in to God’s wisdom and trusting His timing over our own.” – Joel Osteen
“Letting go means knowing that God has your future in His hands. You’re not losing anything; you’re gaining His peace.” – Billy Graham
“God’s plans are greater than ours, and His ways are higher. Sometimes, letting go is the only way to make room for His blessings.” – Priscilla Shirer
“The pain of letting go is real, but God’s comfort and love are even more real. Allow Him to guide you through the journey.” – Christine Caine
“Let go and let God. When we release our hold, we allow God to take full control and move us toward His purpose.” – Steven Furtick