Words are potent. Not only do they hold the power of life and death, as Proverbs 18:21 reminds us, but when they add up to Bible stories that can carry complicated life lessons, it’s natural to crave simplification. Leaning on pocket-size mantras inspired by scripture can be a memorable, practical way to fortify our faith. However, some popular sayings can fall a bit short.
For example, “let go and let God.” This exact phrase isn’t found in scripture; however, the idea is certainly referenced throughout the Bible in a diversity of dilemmas. God’s Word offers many reassurances — that you can let go while holding on to and trusting in Him. You can choose and take action to let go of your unbelief (Mark 9:24), fear (Psalm 23:4), anxiety (Philippians 4:6), sinful patterns (1 John 1:9), and more. And you can let God guide, shelter, and renew you.
Is it Easy to Let Go and Let God?
It's helpful to remember when considering the concept “let go and let God” that the kind of faith Christians are called to isn’t exactly passive or a promise of ease. God doesn’t ask us to stop seeking him (Jeremiah 29:13), to hide our light (Matthew 5:15), or to take no action. He also doesn’t promise a trouble-free life on this side of heaven. Rather, he invites us to faithfully participate in His plan.
Said another way, God calls us to let go of what hinders our ability to get in there and fight the good fight (1 Timothy 6:12), forgive those who’ve hurt us (Matthew 6:14-15), and stay engaged in a lifetime of worthwhile pursuits that require our cooperation with God.
Yes, Psalm 46:10 does say to “Be still and know that I am God,” but its intent is an invitation to quiet our inner chaos, stop feeling like it’s all up to us apart from God, and welcome God’s direction in our journeys, battles, or decisions.
Let’s look at three ways “let go and let God” is better said in scripture.
Let Go of Obstacles to God’s Will for You
Temptations, dangers, and circumstances throw obstacles in the way of our walk with God. Sometimes, we pick up, hold onto, or even worship these setbacks, letting them control us or pull us away from what God desires for us. When our soul is threatened, “letting go” and “letting God” means courageously leaning into God’s will. We can let go of hindrances, such as harmful habits, dangerous people, entitlement, or self-deprecation, and ask God to “search my heart” (Psalm 139:23), “renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10), or “show me the way I should go” (Psalm 143:8-10).
We’re called to stay in communication, to “Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Scriptural examples paint a portrait of presence and reliance, not merely a ball drop or disconnect. We can let go of what weighs us down and welcome God to fill our hearts with conviction.
Let Go of Fear in Favor of Faith
It’s widely known that the command to not be afraid is one of the Bible’s most repeated sentiments. This is likely because fear is at the root of so much pain, confusion, and anger that can lead to sin. And God doesn’t desire hopelessness for us. When we surrender our fear to God, often the situation doesn’t just disappear, but we let go of a measure of pain that can bind and injure. We let go of letting fear consume us and make room for believing that God is our deliverer.
While Israel was struggling under oppression, God says in Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” He’s asking us to let go by holding his hand.
While hiding from his enemy, King David declares: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise — in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? (Psalm 56: 3-4). This encourages us to let go of the power we sometimes attribute to those who wish us harm and instead place that worship on the one who holds our hearts.
Even the Apostle Paul, who had more than his fair share of suffering, shows us how to let go of fear: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6) In this and many other biblical passages, we’re prompted to let go of fear so that we can look for God to direct our actions.
Let Go and Let God Help You Endure
The words of Jesus recorded in John 16:33 are famously encouraging — especially when all is not well. “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
In this conversation with his disciples then and now, Jesus is asking for a radically active heart position through any trouble we will surely face. He is inviting us to let go of worry and believe that Jesus has already overcome whatever is trying to steal our peace. This doesn’t mean we walk away from listening to his voice. Instead, we embrace the promise of Revelation 21:4 that there will be a time when there are no more tears, death, mourning, or pain.
When we consider the saying “let go and let God” and look for examples in scripture, what surfaces is a symbiotic relationship of active surrender and trust. We’re not quitting our connection, but rather diving into the brave decision to “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7). If you’re looking to let go of something and let God help you make sense of it all, Proverbs 3:6 makes it clear: “In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” When you let go of what gets in the way of God’s work in your life, you draw closer to him. There’s no dissolution. Letting go, and letting God, both happen while we’re tethered together in trust.
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Lia Girard is a seasoned writer and voice artist who formerly served as the Faith Editor for Crosswalk.com. She is the author of Wisdom at Wit’s End: Abandoning Supermom Myths in Search of Supernatural Peace, and enjoys spending time with her husband and grown children or walking in the woods with God.
