In life, we often encounter moments when we must release things that weigh us down—whether it’s past hurts, fears, relationships, or even dreams that haven’t come to fruition. Letting go can be one of the most difficult yet liberating actions we can take as followers of Christ. It requires faith, trust, and the willingness to surrender to God’s plan, knowing that He will take care of us. While it is never easy to let go, the Bible offers powerful insights into why and how we can release the burdens we carry and find peace in God’s promises.
Letting go, according to Scripture, involves more than just physically releasing something. It is also about releasing control, pride, bitterness, and unforgiveness that may be holding us back from experiencing the fullness of God’s peace and purpose for our lives. The Bible teaches that God is in control and that when we trust in Him, we can release all our fears, anxieties, and attachments. God promises that He will provide for us and give us a future filled with hope.
In this article, we will explore 25 Bible verses that offer wisdom and encouragement about letting go. These verses will help guide us through the process of releasing what no longer serves us and embracing God’s will for our lives. Whether you are letting go of a hurt, a dream, or an old way of thinking, the Scriptures provide the assurance that when we let go, we make space for God to work in our lives.
1. Matthew 11:28-30 (KJV)
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Jesus invites us to let go of our burdens and come to Him for rest. When we carry heavy emotional or physical burdens, Jesus offers us the rest and peace that come from surrendering to His will. Letting go of control allows us to experience His gentle guidance.
2. Philippians 3:13-14 (KJV)
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Letting go of the past is essential in moving forward in faith. Paul encourages us to forget what lies behind and focus on the goal that lies ahead—our calling in Christ Jesus. By letting go of past failures or regrets, we make room to pursue the future God has for us.
3. Isaiah 43:18-19 (KJV)
“Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”
God calls us to let go of old memories and past circumstances that may hinder us. He is doing a new thing in our lives, and by releasing the past, we make space for God to work in new ways. Trusting that He will lead us through difficult times can bring peace and hope.
4. Romans 8:18 (KJV)
“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
When we let go of the pain of the present, we gain a perspective on the eternal glory that awaits us. The sufferings we endure are temporary, but the glory of God’s promises is eternal. Letting go of the momentary trials helps us to focus on the eternal rewards.
5. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
In Christ, we are made new. This verse reminds us that when we let go of our old selves and old habits, we step into the new life that God has prepared for us. Letting go of past mistakes or identity allows us to fully embrace our new identity in Christ.
6. Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Letting go of our need to control or understand every situation is an act of faith. When we trust in God with our whole hearts, He will guide our steps and direct us. By surrendering to Him, we allow Him to lead us in ways that are beyond our comprehension.
7. 1 Peter 5:7 (KJV)
“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
God cares for us deeply, and He invites us to cast our cares upon Him. Letting go of worry and anxiety is essential in trusting God. By giving our burdens to Him, we experience His peace and assurance that He will take care of us.
8. Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV)
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
Letting go of fear and uncertainty is possible when we trust in God’s plan for our lives. His plans are always for our good, and He is working out a future filled with hope for us. Surrendering to His will allows us to walk confidently in His promises.
9. Matthew 6:25-34 (KJV)
“Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? … But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Letting go of worry about the future is key to experiencing God’s peace. Jesus teaches us not to be anxious about our needs, but to trust that God will provide. When we focus on seeking His kingdom, we can trust that He will take care of all our concerns.
10. Luke 9:62 (KJV)
“And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Jesus warns us against looking back once we have committed to following Him. Letting go of past distractions and focusing on the work ahead is essential for fulfilling God’s call in our lives. Looking back prevents us from fully embracing what God has prepared for us.
11. Psalm 55:22 (KJV)
“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”
When we release our burdens to the Lord, He promises to sustain us. Letting go of our worries and trusting in His provision helps us stand firm in His grace, knowing He will never allow us to be moved or shaken.
12. Isaiah 55:8-9 (KJV)
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Letting go of our own plans and understanding opens the door to trusting in God’s higher wisdom. His ways are far above ours, and when we release our desire to control, we allow His perfect plan to unfold in our lives.
13. Colossians 3:13 (KJV)
“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”
Forgiveness is often a key part of letting go. Holding onto grudges or unforgiveness prevents healing. When we forgive others as Christ forgave us, we release the bitterness and make room for peace and restoration.
14. Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV)
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Letting go of anxiety involves trusting God through prayer. When we release our worries to Him, His peace guards our hearts and minds. This peace is beyond our understanding and serves as a reminder that God is in control.
15. Romans 12:2 (KJV)
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Letting go of worldly thinking and embracing the renewal of our minds is crucial for walking in God’s will. When we let go of worldly influences and patterns, we allow God to transform us into His likeness.
16. Hebrews 12:1-2 (KJV)
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.”
Letting go of the weights of sin and distraction is essential for running the race of faith. We are encouraged to lay aside everything that hinders us and focus on Jesus, who is the ultimate example and source of our faith.
17. 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
Letting go of fear is an important part of walking in God’s power. God has given us His spirit of power, love, and self-control, which enables us to release fear and live boldly for Him.
18. James 4:7 (KJV)
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Letting go of the temptation to follow the ways of the enemy involves submitting to God. When we resist the devil and surrender to God’s will, we experience His strength and protection.
19. Psalm 34:17-18 (KJV)
“The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”
When we let go of our pain and cry out to God, He hears and delivers us. He is near to the brokenhearted and offers healing to those who are humble and contrite.
20. Ephesians 4:31-32 (KJV)
“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
Letting go of negative emotions such as bitterness and anger is important for peace and reconciliation. God calls us to forgive others as He has forgiven us, releasing the hurt and embracing kindness and compassion.
21. Psalm 147:3 (KJV)
“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.”
Letting go of our emotional wounds allows God to heal our broken hearts. He is the ultimate healer, capable of binding up our wounds and restoring our spirits.
22. Mark 11:25 (KJV)
“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
Letting go of unforgiveness is vital for maintaining a healthy relationship with God. Forgiveness unlocks God’s forgiveness in our lives, allowing us to experience His grace more fully.
23. Isaiah 41:10 (KJV)
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
Letting go of fear involves trusting God’s presence and His promise to strengthen and help us. He is always with us, upholding us in His righteousness.
24. Romans 8:31 (KJV)
“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?”
Letting go of the fear of opposition and trusting that God is on our side empowers us to move forward in faith. His presence is greater than any challenge we may face.
25. Luke 12:22-23 (KJV)
“And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.”
Letting go of the worries about provision frees us to focus on God’s kingdom. When we trust Him for our needs, we can experience His provision and live without anxiety.
Conclusion
Letting go is a key principle in the Christian life. It requires trust in God’s sovereignty, surrender of our control, and faith that God will provide and guide us. The Bible offers many verses that encourage us to let go of our fears, our past hurts, and our anxieties, knowing that God is faithful to care for us. By releasing these burdens, we open the door for God to move in our lives and lead us to peace, joy, and purpose. Let us learn to let go, trust in God, and embrace the future He has planned for us.
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