Letting go can be one of the hardest things we face, whether it's a past hurt, a broken relationship, guilt, or disappointment. The Bible offers powerful guidance to help us release what weighs us down and embrace God's peace and healing.
In this collection of 17 verses, you'll find comfort, strength, and clarity for your journey of surrender. Each scripture is paired with a short reflection to help you reflect, heal, and grow in faith as you let go and let God.
1. Releasing the Past: Isaiah 43:18-19
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!”
God doesn’t want us to be stuck in yesterday’s pain or failures. Isaiah speaks directly to the importance of moving forward. When we let go of the past, we open our hearts to the new blessings God is already preparing. Letting go here is not forgetting but making room for what’s next.
2. Trusting God with the Future: 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."
Letting go often begins with trust. This verse encourages us to stop relying solely on our logic or plans and instead trust God with our hearts and decisions. When we surrender our need for control, we allow God to work in ways we could never imagine. It's a reminder that we don't walk alone, God guides us when we release our grip and trust Him.
3. Casting Your Cares: 1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
God wants us to hand over our worries and burdens. This verse is a direct invitation to let go, not because we’re indifferent, but because God actively cares for our concerns. When we release anxiety into His hands, we experience true peace and reassurance that He’s got us covered.
4. Letting Go of Bitterness: Ephesians 4:31-32
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger… Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Holding onto bitterness only poisons our own peace. Paul’s advice to the Ephesians is a call to replace resentment with compassion. Letting go in this context means choosing forgiveness, both for others and ourselves, because we’ve been forgiven too.
5. Rest for the Weary: Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Jesus invites us to release our burdens and find rest in Him. This verse is a comfort to the exhausted soul and reminds us that we don't have to carry everything on our own. Letting go makes space for divine rest.
6. God's Control Over Circumstances: Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him…”
Letting go is easier when we remember that God is working behind the scenes for our good. Even in loss or confusion, this verse encourages faith in God’s greater plan. Release the need to figure everything out, He already has.
7. A New Creation in Christ: 2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
This verse is a beautiful assurance that we don’t have to be defined by our past. When we embrace our new identity in Christ, we let go of shame, guilt, and brokenness. A new beginning always starts with surrender.
8. Do Not Be Anxious: Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation… present your requests to God.”
Paul encourages us to swap anxiety for prayer. When we let go of worry and hand it to God, peace takes its place. This peace isn’t circumstantial, it’s divine, guarding our hearts and minds through Christ.
9. Forgiveness Frees the Soul: Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive other people… your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
Forgiveness isn’t just about others, it sets us free. This verse teaches that letting go of offense and choosing forgiveness invites God's grace into our lives. It’s not easy, but it’s liberating.
10. God Will Provide: Matthew 6:33-34
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Letting go of control includes our fears about the future. Jesus tells us to focus on God’s kingdom, trusting that our needs will be taken care of. Today’s worries are enough, tomorrow is God’s.
11. Letting Go of Vengeance: Romans 12:19
“Do not take revenge… but leave room for God’s wrath…”
Revenge might feel justified, but it chains us to pain. Paul urges believers to let God handle justice. When we let go of the desire to get even, we create space for healing and divine justice.
12. Forgetting What's Behind: Philippians 3:13-14
“But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead…”
Paul’s focus is forward-looking. He acknowledges that progress means releasing the past, good or bad. Letting go here means shifting our attention to the higher calling we’re pressing toward in Christ.
13. Strength to Move On: Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Letting go often takes courage, especially when stepping into the unknown. This verse is a powerful reminder that God’s presence goes with us. We’re not left to figure things out alone, God’s strength becomes our strength as we release fear and move forward boldly.
14. God’s Timing is Perfect: Ecclesiastes 3:1
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
Sometimes, letting go is about accepting that a chapter has ended. This verse helps us recognize that every season, both joyful and painful, has its purpose. Trusting God’s timing allows us to release what no longer serves us and make room for what’s next.
15. Letting Go of Fear: 2 Timothy 1:7
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
Fear can paralyze, but God has equipped us with power and love. Letting go of fear is possible when we realize it’s not from God. Embracing His Spirit gives us courage and clarity to move ahead in confidence and faith.
16. Holding Onto Eternal Hope: Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
When we focus too much on what’s lost, we lose sight of what’s eternal. This verse shifts our perspective to the bigger picture. Letting go becomes easier when we set our hearts on God’s promises rather than temporary circumstances.
17. God Renews the Broken: Psalm 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
God isn’t distant from our pain, He’s deeply present in it. Letting go of hurt doesn’t mean pretending it didn’t happen. This verse reassures us that God is the ultimate healer, gently mending what’s broken and restoring us in the process.
Anne Kostick has been Editor-in-Chief since September 2007. Previously, Anne was a principal at Foxpath IND, a publishing, consulting and editorial services company specializing in the transition to and from traditional content publishing and online content management, development and publishing. Her clients included trade book publishers, technology and financial services Web sites, and arts and cultural institutions. Previously, she worked as Licensing and Product Development Director, Senior Acquisitions Editor and Director of Electronic Publishing for Workman Publishing, and as Senior Acquisitions Editor for Harry N. Abrams/Stewart, Tabori & Chang. In the online world she worked as Director of Content Development for Vitaminshoppe.com. Anne has a B.A. in Greek and Latin, with a minor in Theater, from Beloit College. She is the author of several books for children, as well as a definitive collection of jokes.