by Ever felt like you’re holding on to too much? Maybe it’s a grudge, fear, or even that old pair of shoes you never wear!
The Bible has some great advice about letting go of things that weigh us down. It’s like carrying a big bag of rocks everywhere you go—so tiring! God wants us to drop those heavy loads and trust Him.
In this article, we’ll dive into awesome Bible verses that features all you need to know about letting go. Do read on!
Bible Verses About Letting Go
Philippians 3:13-14
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Commentary: Paul emphasizes the importance of letting go of past mistakes and achievements to pursue the future God has planned. The act of forgetting what lies behind signifies a conscious decision to release the past’s hold on us, whether it be guilt, regrets, or even successes that could lead to complacency.
Pressing on towards the goal involves active effort and determination to live in the present with eyes set on God’s calling. This forward-looking approach encourages believers to continuously strive for spiritual growth and the ultimate reward in Christ.
Matthew 16:24
“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me].”
Commentary: This verse underscores the act of surrender as a central aspect of discipleship. Surrendering to Christ requires self-denial, an intentional choice to put aside our own desires, ambitions, and plans.
The imagery of taking up one’s cross symbolizes a readiness to face hardships, persecutions, and even death for the sake of Christ. It’s a profound call to let go of self-centered living and embrace a Christ-centered life, trusting that His path, though challenging, leads to true fulfillment and eternal reward.
Isaiah 43:18-19
“Do not remember the former things, or ponder the things of the past. Listen carefully, I am about to do a new thing, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even put a road in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.”
Commentary: God’s message through Isaiah is a powerful reminder to release the past and open our hearts to the new works He is about to perform. The call to forget former things implies a deliberate act of letting go of old patterns, disappointments, and failures. Embracing God’s new beginnings requires faith and readiness to perceive His unfolding plans, which may manifest in unexpected and miraculous ways.
This verse encourages believers to trust in God’s transformative power, making ways where there seems to be none and bringing life to desolate areas.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].”
Commentary: This verse highlights the transformative nature of being in Christ. Accepting Jesus as Savior signifies a complete renewal, where the old self and its patterns are left behind, and a new, spiritually awakened life begins.
The emphasis on the old passing away and new things coming encourages believers to let go of their past identity, failures, and sins, embracing the new identity and purpose found in Christ. It’s an invitation to live in the freedom and newness brought by the Holy Spirit, continuously growing in faith and righteousness.
Psalm 55:22
“Cast your burden on the Lord [release it] and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken (slip, fall, fail).”
Commentary: This Psalm offers a comforting promise of God’s sustaining power when we let go of our burdens. Casting our burdens on the Lord involves a deliberate act of releasing our worries, anxieties, and struggles into His capable hands.
The assurance that God will sustain us and prevent us from being shaken provides immense relief and peace. It’s an invitation to trust in God’s unwavering support and faithfulness, knowing that He cares deeply for us and will uphold us through every challenge.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].”
Commentary: These verses from Proverbs emphasize the importance of letting go of our own understanding and trusting fully in God’s wisdom and guidance. Relying on the Lord with all our heart requires a complete surrender of our intellect, plans, and perceptions. Acknowledging God in all our ways involves seeking His direction and recognizing His sovereignty in every aspect of our lives.
The promise that He will make our paths straight and smooth encourages us to trust that His guidance will lead us through life’s complexities and uncertainties, removing obstacles and providing clarity.
Matthew 6:34
“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Commentary: Jesus’ teaching in this verse highlights the futility of worrying about the future and encourages focusing on the present. Letting go of anxiety about tomorrow involves trusting in God’s provision and care for each day.
By addressing the troubles of today without borrowing worries from the future, believers can experience peace and reliance on God’s daily grace. This perspective fosters a mindset of living in the moment, appreciating God’s blessings, and trusting Him to handle the future.
Romans 8:28
“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.”
Commentary: This verse provides assurance that God orchestrates everything for the good of those who love Him. Letting go of our need to control outcomes and trusting in God’s plan requires faith in His infinite wisdom and love.
The promise that all things work together for good encourages believers to release their fears and anxieties, knowing that God can bring about positive outcomes even from difficult situations. This trust in God’s sovereignty and purpose allows for a deeper sense of peace and confidence in His guidance.
1 Peter 5:7
“Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].”
Commentary: Peter’s exhortation to cast all our cares on God highlights the intimate and caring relationship believers have with Him. Letting go of anxieties and concerns involves a deliberate act of transferring them to God, trusting in His loving care.
The assurance that God watches over us with deepest affection provides comfort and security, encouraging us to release our burdens and rely on His constant presence and support. This act of casting our cares fosters a deeper trust and reliance on God’s faithful provision.
Hebrews 12:1
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness], stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us.”
Commentary: The writer of Hebrews encourages believers to shed unnecessary weights and sins that hinder their spiritual race. Letting go of these encumbrances involves recognizing and releasing anything that distracts or detracts from our commitment to God.
The imagery of running with endurance emphasizes the need for perseverance and focus on the goal of faithfulness to God’s call. This passage inspires believers to examine their lives, identify what needs to be released, and pursue their spiritual journey with determination and reliance on God’s strength.
Colossians 3:2
“Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value].”
Commentary: Paul’s instruction to set our minds on things above encourages a heavenly perspective that prioritizes eternal values over temporal concerns. Letting go of earthly distractions and focusing on spiritual realities involves a continuous effort to align our thoughts and desires with God’s kingdom.
This mindset fosters a deeper relationship with God and a clearer sense of purpose, as it shifts our focus from the fleeting nature of earthly possessions and worries to the everlasting significance of spiritual growth and eternal life in Christ.
Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”
Commentary: This verse reflects the profound transformation that occurs when a believer identifies with Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. Letting go of the old self and embracing the life of Christ within us involves a radical shift in identity and purpose.
Living by faith in the Son of God requires daily reliance on His guidance and strength, as well as a deep gratitude for His sacrificial love. This transformation empowers believers to live with a renewed sense of purpose, driven by Christ’s life and love within them.
James 4:7
“So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you.”
Commentary: James instructs believers to submit to God’s authority as a fundamental step in resisting the devil. Letting go of our pride and self-reliance to fully submit to God involves recognizing His sovereignty and seeking His will above our own.
The promise that the devil will flee when we resist him highlights the power of standing firm in our faith and dependence on God. This submission and resistance foster a stronger relationship with God and a greater ability to withstand spiritual attacks.
Luke 9:62
“But Jesus said to him, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back [to the things left behind] is fit for the kingdom of God.'”
Commentary: Jesus’ statement emphasizes the importance of wholehearted commitment to following Him. Letting go of the past and not looking back signifies a focused dedication to the path of discipleship. This verse challenges believers to leave behind former attachments, regrets, or distractions and fully commit to the journey of faith.
The metaphor of plowing underscores the necessity of forward momentum and perseverance in the Christian walk, ensuring that our gaze remains fixed on God’s kingdom and purposes.
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]”
Commentary: Jesus’ promise of perfect peace offers a profound source of comfort and strength. Letting go of worldly anxieties and fears involves embracing the peace that Christ provides, which surpasses all understanding. This peace is not dependent on external circumstances but is rooted in the presence and promises of Jesus.
By allowing His peace to calm our hearts, we gain the courage and strength to face any challenge, knowing that we are sustained by His unchanging love and faithfulness.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Commentary: God’s declaration of His plans for His people is a powerful reminder of His sovereign care and purpose. Letting go of our own plans and trusting in God’s intentions involves faith in His goodness and wisdom.
This verse reassures believers that God’s plans are designed for their well-being, offering hope and a future filled with His peace. Embracing this promise encourages us to release our fears and uncertainties, trusting that God’s purpose will ultimately lead to fulfillment and joy.
Romans 12:2
“And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].”
Commentary: Paul calls believers to resist conformity to worldly values and instead embrace transformation through the renewal of their minds. Letting go of worldly influences involves a deliberate focus on godly values and ethical attitudes.
This transformation is an ongoing process of spiritual growth and maturity, allowing believers to discern and fulfill God’s will. By renewing our minds, we align our thoughts and actions with God’s purposes, experiencing the fullness of His good, acceptable, and perfect plan for our lives.
Ephesians 4:31-32
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor [perpetual animosity, resentment, strife, fault-finding] and slander be put away from you, along with every kind of malice [all spitefulness, verbal abuse, malevolence]. Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another [readily and freely], just as God in Christ also forgave you.”
Commentary: Paul urges believers to release negative emotions and behaviors that hinder relationships and spiritual growth. Letting go of bitterness, anger, and malice involves a conscious effort to adopt kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.
This transformation mirrors the forgiveness we have received in Christ, fostering healthier relationships and a more Christ-like character. By embracing these positive traits, believers can create a supportive and loving community that reflects God’s grace and love.
Isaiah 41:10
“Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation].”
Commentary: God’s reassurance to not fear is rooted in His constant presence and support. Letting go of fear involves trusting in God’s strength, help, and righteousness. This verse provides comfort and assurance that God is always with us, ready to uphold and protect us.
Embracing this promise encourages believers to release their fears and anxieties, relying on God’s power and victory in every situation. This trust in God’s presence fosters a sense of security and peace, enabling us to face challenges with confidence.
1 John 1:9
“If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose].”
Commentary: The promise of forgiveness and cleansing is contingent upon our confession and repentance. Letting go of sin involves acknowledging our wrongdoings and seeking God’s mercy. God’s faithfulness and justice ensure that He forgives and purifies us, restoring our relationship with Him.
This process of confession and cleansing is vital for spiritual growth and renewal, allowing us to live in accordance with God’s will and purpose. Embracing God’s forgiveness frees us from the burden of guilt and enables us to experience His transformative grace.
Isaiah 26:3
“You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You—in both inclination and character], because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation].”
Commentary: The promise of perfect peace is granted to those who keep their minds steadfastly focused on God. Letting go of distractions and anxieties involves a committed and unwavering trust in God’s character and promises.
This steadfastness is rewarded with constant peace, a peace that comes from taking refuge in God’s faithfulness and provision. By maintaining this focus and trust, believers can experience a deep sense of calm and assurance, even in the midst of life’s challenges.
Psalm 46:10
“Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.”
Commentary: The call to be still and know that God is sovereign emphasizes the importance of quieting our hearts and minds to recognize His power and authority. Letting go of our busyness and striving involves taking time to pause and reflect on God’s greatness and control over all things.
This stillness allows us to deepen our awareness of God’s presence and His exalted position over the nations and the earth. By embracing this posture of stillness and trust, we can experience a renewed sense of peace and confidence in God’s ultimate plan and purpose.
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].”
Commentary: Paul reminds believers that God has endowed them with a spirit of power, love, and sound judgment, not fear. Letting go of timidity and fear involves embracing the divine empowerment and attributes given to us by the Holy Spirit.
This spirit of power equips us to face challenges boldly, the spirit of love enables us to act with compassion, and the spirit of sound judgment provides clarity and self-control. By relying on these divine gifts, believers can navigate life’s complexities with confidence and grace, reflecting God’s strength and wisdom.
Psalm 37:5
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him also and He will do it.”
Commentary: This Psalm encourages believers to commit their plans and paths to the Lord, placing their trust in His ability to act. Letting go of our own agendas and trusting in God’s direction involves a deliberate act of surrender and reliance on His wisdom.
The promise that God will accomplish His purposes provides assurance and peace, knowing that our lives are in His capable hands. By committing our way to the Lord, we align ourselves with His will and experience the fulfillment of His good plans for us.
Proverbs 16:3
“Commit your works to the Lord [submit and trust them to Him], And your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance].”
Commentary: Solomon’s advice to commit our works to the Lord highlights the importance of seeking God’s guidance and blessing in all our endeavors. Letting go of self-reliance and trusting in God’s involvement ensures that our plans align with His will and have His favor.
The promise of success in our plans, when submitted to God, encourages us to prioritize His guidance and direction in all aspects of our lives. This commitment fosters a deeper dependence on God and a greater likelihood of experiencing His blessings and success.
John 15:5
“I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for [otherwise] apart from Me [that is, cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.”
Commentary: Jesus’ analogy of the vine and branches emphasizes the essential connection between believers and Himself. Letting go of self-sufficiency involves recognizing our dependence on Christ for spiritual vitality and fruitfulness. Remaining in Christ, abiding in His presence and teachings, ensures that we bear much fruit and fulfill our purpose.
This intimate relationship with Jesus is crucial for a meaningful and impactful Christian life, as apart from Him, we can achieve nothing of eternal value. By staying connected to the Vine, we receive the nourishment and strength needed to thrive and bear lasting fruit.
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls. For My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light.”
Commentary: Jesus’ invitation to come to Him for rest offers relief from the burdens of life and religious rituals. Letting go of these heavy loads involves accepting His gentle and humble guidance, which provides true rest and renewal for our souls.
Taking on Jesus’ yoke signifies a willingness to learn from Him and follow His ways, finding that His demands are not burdensome but life-giving. This exchange of burdens fosters a deeper relationship with Jesus, where His presence and teachings bring peace, comfort, and rejuvenation.
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] will gain new strength and renew their power; they will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not grow tired.”
Commentary: The promise of renewed strength for those who wait on the Lord emphasizes the value of patience and hope in God. Letting go of our impatience and trusting in God’s timing involves expecting and looking for His intervention. This waiting on the Lord brings about a renewal of power and vitality, enabling believers to rise above challenges like eagles soaring high.
The assurance of sustained energy for running and walking signifies God’s provision for our endurance and perseverance. By placing our hope in God, we experience His rejuvenating strength and unwavering support in every season of life.
Psalm 34:4
“I sought the Lord [on the authority of His word], and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears.”
Commentary: David’s testimony of seeking the Lord and being delivered from fears highlights the power of prayer and God’s faithfulness. Letting go of fears involves actively seeking God’s presence and relying on His promises.
The act of seeking God on the authority of His word underscores the importance of scripture in overcoming anxiety. God’s response to David’s prayers provides assurance that He hears and delivers those who trust in Him. This verse encourages believers to bring their fears to God, trusting in His ability to provide peace and deliverance.
Psalm 32:5
“I acknowledged my sin to You, And I did not hide my wickedness; I said, ‘I will confess [all] my transgressions to the Lord’; And You forgave the guilt of my sin.”
Commentary: David’s confession and subsequent forgiveness highlight the liberating power of repentance. Letting go of sin involves acknowledging our wrongdoings and openly confessing them to God. This act of transparency and humility leads to the experience of God’s forgiveness and the removal of guilt.
The relief and freedom that come from being forgiven encourage believers to practice regular confession and repentance, maintaining a close and honest relationship with God. This process of confession fosters spiritual growth and a deeper sense of God’s grace and mercy.
Psalm 23:1
“The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, to guide and to shield me], I shall not want.”
Commentary: David’s declaration of the Lord as his Shepherd underscores the provision and care God offers His people. Letting go of our own efforts to meet our needs involves trusting in God’s role as our Shepherd, who provides, guides, and protects us.
The assurance that we shall not want speaks to God’s sufficiency and generosity in meeting all our needs. This trust in God’s shepherding care allows believers to rest in His provision and guidance, confident that He will lead them through every situation with love and wisdom.
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].”
Commentary: Paul’s exhortation to replace anxiety with prayer and thanksgiving highlights a powerful approach to dealing with worries. Letting go of anxiety involves actively bringing our concerns to God through prayer and expressing gratitude for His blessings. The promise of God’s peace, which transcends understanding, reassures and guards our hearts and minds.
This divine peace provides a sense of calm and security, regardless of circumstances. By embracing this practice of prayer and thanksgiving, believers can experience the protective and comforting peace of God in every situation.
1 John 4:18
“There is no fear in love [dread does not exist]. But perfect (complete, full-grown) love drives out fear, because fear involves [the expectation of divine] punishment, so the one who is afraid [of God’s judgment] is not perfected in love [has not grown into a sufficient understanding of God’s love].”
Commentary: John’s teaching on perfect love driving out fear highlights the transformative power of understanding God’s love. Letting go of fear involves embracing the fullness of God’s love, which eliminates the dread of punishment. This perfect love fosters a deeper sense of security and confidence in God’s grace.
The process of being perfected in love involves growing in our understanding and experience of God’s love, allowing it to dispel fear. By focusing on God’s love, believers can live in freedom and assurance, unburdened by fear of judgment.
Isaiah 54:17
“No weapon that is formed against you will succeed; And every tongue that rises against you in judgment you will condemn. This [peace, righteousness, security, and triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And this is their vindication from Me,” says the Lord.”
Commentary: God’s promise of protection and vindication provides assurance against opposition and attacks. Letting go of fear and insecurity involves trusting in God’s defense and the heritage He grants His servants. The assurance that no weapon formed against us will succeed emphasizes God’s power and sovereignty over all adversaries.
This promise encourages believers to rely on God’s protection and justice, confident that He will defend and vindicate them in every situation. Embracing this heritage fosters a sense of peace, righteousness, and security in God’s unwavering support.
Psalm 91:1-2
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will remain secure and rest in the shadow of the Almighty [whose power no enemy can withstand]. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust [with great confidence, and on whom I rely]!'”
Commentary: The imagery of dwelling in the shelter of the Most High provides a profound sense of security and rest. Letting go of our fears and anxieties involves seeking refuge in God’s presence and trusting in His protection.
The declaration of God as our refuge and fortress underscores His strength and reliability. By placing our confidence in God’s power and provision, we can experience a deep sense of peace and assurance. This trust in God’s protective care allows believers to rest securely, knowing that no enemy can prevail against His might.