How To Let Go And Let God
November 2022
Alberta Vadnais
I love finding ways to feel God in my day, whether I’m going to work or cooking dinner. I make sure I’m connected to Him by listening to Bible stories, sermons, praying, and singing praise songs. All the apps I test are introduced into my everyday life so that I can feel their usability on a daily basis.
The phrase ‘let go and let God’ is quite popular among Christians. Believers say it to encourage, advise or exhort one another because it always seems to be the right fit for every situation where a person is struggling.
However, because of its popularity, it is also very misunderstood. People tend to interpret letting go and letting God in different ways, some not even close to being biblically accurate.
In this article, the meaning will be properly studied and explored. There will also be practical and realistic tips on how to let go of the anxiety being caused by a difficult situation and let God do what He’s best at doing.
‘Let Go And Let God’ Meaning
Many people take this phrase to mean that we just have to sit still and let God do everything. Like not making any moves or trying to do something about the situation, but just sitting back and watching. Well, this isn’t exactly accurate.
For example, if a pilot removes his hands from the control wheel of a plane and says ‘let God drive’ unless the plane is on autopilot, it’s bound to run into problems.
In the same way, letting go and letting God doesn’t mean completely taking our hands off the situation.
On the contrary, the Bible constantly tells us to take action. It is filled with verses like,
1 Timothy 6:12 which tells us to “fight the good fight of faith”,
2 Timothy 2:3 which tells us to “endure hardship like a good soldier of Christ Jesus”,
And Ephesians 6:11 which tells us to “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes”.
We’re constantly being admonished never to sit still, but constantly take action in our Christian lives. So what does it mean to let go then?
It simply means coming to an understanding that God knows best and is in control, and then allowing Him to lead us to take the actions that are needed.
The phrase ‘let go and let God’ isn’t mentioned in the Bible directly, but there have been instances that fit the phrase perfectly.
Why Is It Important To Follow God’s Guidance?
We are all rookies when it comes to navigating life. Each of us is only facing it for the first time, so we’re bound to face challenges and obstacles on the way and not know how to go about them.
But as believers, we have an advantage in Christ. God our Father and Creator has not only existed before time began, but His wisdom is what put the earth in place. What’s more? He loves us.
So you can be sure that God wants the best for you, even more than you want the best for yourself.
When we understand that He is in control and we actively follow His guidance, we can be assured that whatever happens along the way is all for our good.
How Do You Let Go And Let God?
The thing is, relinquishing control of our lives can be hard. Letting go requires just as much effort as doing things ourselves, if not more. However, when Jesus said in John 15:5 that we can do nothing without Him, it was true.
So how do we let go and let God take the lead in our lives?
Understand that there are things that you can control, and the ones you can’t.
There are trivial things in life that we have the privilege of being able to control by ourselves, like choosing what to eat or what to wear. There are also many other things that we have absolutely no control over, but God does.
Meditate on Scripture and ask God for help.
It can indeed be a bit hard to hand over the wheel to God not just in words, but also in action. Dwelling on what the Bible says about letting go and letting God is a great way to help us gain confidence in Him.
Asking God for help to trust Him is also not out of place. Whatever we ought to do, we cannot do without His help. Doing these will help build our faith to the point where we can truly allow Him to lead us.
Surrender the things you can’t control to God.
This is the part where we deliberately decide to follow God’s lead in our lives. Once you’ve understood that there are things you have no control over and you’ve filled your heart with God’s promises, it becomes easier to surrender to His will.
Even when your doubts and fears seek to invade your mind, you can cast them into Him, because He cares for you.
Bible Verses Where We Can See The Power Of ‘Let God and Let God’
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
“casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
Final Thoughts
Psalm 46:10 tells us:
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
This is God’s promise to us. If we can be still, not by folding our hands but by trusting in God’s sovereignty and love for us, even in the chaos of this world, we will have peace.
God knows you by name, He sees whatever you’re going through and He’s working it together for your good. So beloved, today and every day, no matter what comes your way don’t be anxious. Let go and let God.
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