Letting go is a profound theme in the Bible, encouraging believers to release their burdens, past grievances, and control to embrace God’s plan and peace. These verses provide guidance, comfort, and assurance, reminding us of the freedom and healing that comes from surrendering to God’s will. Each verse is followed by a short commentary to deepen understanding and reflection.
30 Bible Verses About Letting Go
- Philippians 3:13-14
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of letting go of the past and focusing on the future. By releasing past mistakes and failures, believers can strive towards their God-given purpose and eternal reward.
- Isaiah 43:18-19
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
God encourages His people to release their hold on past events to embrace the new and transformative works He is doing. It’s a call to trust in His renewal and provision, even in difficult times.
- Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Jesus invites us to let go of our burdens and find rest in Him. His promise of a lighter yoke offers comfort and relief from the struggles and stresses we carry, emphasizing His gentleness and humility.
- 1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
This verse encourages believers to release their anxieties and worries to God, trusting in His care and love. It’s a reminder that God is attentive and compassionate, ready to bear our concerns.
- Psalm 55:22
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
Letting go of our worries and entrusting them to the Lord assures us of His sustaining power. God’s promise to uphold the righteous provides security and strength amidst life’s challenges.
- Matthew 6:34
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Jesus teaches the importance of living in the present and not being consumed by future worries. Letting go of anxiety about tomorrow allows us to focus on today’s tasks and trust in God’s provision.
- Ephesians 4:31-32
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
This passage calls for the release of negative emotions and behaviors. By letting go of bitterness and embracing forgiveness and kindness, we reflect God’s love and forgiveness in our relationships.
- Hebrews 12:1
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
The author urges believers to discard whatever hinders their spiritual progress, including sin. Letting go of these encumbrances enables us to pursue our faith journey with perseverance and focus.
- Colossians 3:8
“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”
Paul instructs believers to let go of harmful behaviors and speech. This purification of character is essential for living a life that honors God and fosters healthy, edifying relationships.
- Romans 12:19
“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
This verse encourages letting go of the desire for revenge, trusting God to bring justice. It emphasizes faith in God’s righteous judgment and the relinquishment of personal vendettas.
- 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.”
God’s reassurance to not fear emphasizes letting go of anxiety and embracing His strength and support. His presence and righteousness provide a solid foundation in times of trouble.
- James 1:19-20
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
James advocates for the release of quick anger and impulsive speech. Cultivating patience and thoughtful communication aligns us more closely with God’s righteous standards.
- Ecclesiastes 3:6
“A time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away.”
This verse acknowledges the seasons of life that involve letting go. It reminds us of the wisdom in discerning when to release certain pursuits or possessions to make way for growth and renewal.
- Mark 11:25
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
Forgiveness is a crucial aspect of letting go. Jesus teaches that releasing grievances through forgiveness is essential for maintaining a right relationship with God and others.
- Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Trusting God involves letting go of our own understanding and control. This verse encourages full reliance on God’s guidance and wisdom, leading to a more directed and purposeful life.
- Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Jesus’ radical command to love and pray for enemies requires letting go of hatred and resentment. It transforms relationships and reflects God’s unconditional love and mercy.
- Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Paul’s declaration of a life surrendered to Christ highlights the ultimate act of letting go—dying to oneself. Living by faith in Jesus involves releasing personal ambitions and embracing a Christ-centered life.
- Isaiah 55:7
“Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.”
Turning away from sinful ways and thoughts is a significant aspect of letting go. This verse emphasizes God’s mercy and readiness to forgive those who seek Him, encouraging repentance and transformation.
- Psalm 37:7
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.”
Patience and trust in God’s timing require letting go of envy and anxiety about others’ successes. This verse calls for a calm and trusting heart, focused on God’s justice and timing.
- Romans 8:1
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
This powerful declaration encourages believers to let go of guilt and condemnation. In Christ, we are free from judgment, enabling us to live with confidence and peace in God’s grace.
- Hebrews 13:5
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'”
Contentment involves letting go of materialism and the pursuit of wealth. Trusting in God’s provision and presence assures us of His unfailing support and care.
- Luke 9:62
“Jesus replied, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.'”
Commitment to God’s calling requires letting go of the past and not looking back. This verse emphasizes the importance of forward-focused dedication in serving God’s kingdom.
- Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Releasing anxiety through prayer and thanksgiving invites God’s peace into our lives. This verse encourages a habit of turning worries over to God, resulting in a guarded and tranquil heart.
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
Being in Christ means letting go of the old self and embracing the new creation. This transformation signifies a fresh start, leaving behind past sins and living a renewed life in Christ.
- Psalm 46:10
“He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.'”
God calls for stillness and recognition of His sovereignty. Letting go of our frantic efforts and worries allows us to acknowledge His power and exalt Him, fostering trust and reverence.
- Jeremiah 29:11
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'”
Trusting in God’s plans requires letting go of our fears and uncertainties. This verse reassures us of God’s benevolent intentions and encourages a hopeful and trusting outlook on the future.
- Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
Offering ourselves as living sacrifices involves letting go of personal desires and submitting to God’s will. This act of worship reflects a wholehearted devotion and surrender to God’s purposes.
- Isaiah 26:3
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
Perfect peace is the result of steadfast trust in God. Letting go of doubts and focusing on God’s faithfulness brings a deep sense of calm and security, grounded in His unchanging nature.
- Matthew 16:24
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'”
Discipleship requires self-denial and taking up one’s cross. Letting go of self-centered ambitions and embracing the path of sacrifice and service exemplifies true followership of Jesus.
- Proverbs 4:25-27
“Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.”
Focus and steadfastness in one’s spiritual journey necessitate letting go of distractions and temptations. This verse advises a determined and unwavering pursuit of righteousness, ensuring a secure and righteous path.