What Does the Bible Say About Letting Go?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary is a devoted Bible student who loves sharing her knowledge, inspiring others with faith-filled insights, and deepening spiritual understanding through writing.

Letting go can be one of the hardest things to do.

Whether it’s releasing past hurts, walking away from toxic relationships, or surrendering control over a situation, the act of letting go is often painful.

Yet, the Bible speaks clearly about the importance of trusting God, releasing burdens, and moving forward.

Holding on too tightly to what God is calling us to release can prevent us from experiencing the peace and freedom He desires for us.

The Bible is filled with wisdom on how to let go with faith, grace, and confidence in God’s plan.

Let’s explore what Scripture says about letting go and how we can apply these truths in our lives.

Letting Go of the Past

The past has a way of holding people captive.

Whether it’s guilt over mistakes, pain from past relationships, or memories that refuse to fade, the past can weigh heavily on the heart.

But the Bible reminds us that dwelling on what is behind keeps us from embracing what’s ahead.

Isaiah 43:18-19 says, “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 calls His people to let go of the past because He is constantly at work, creating new beginnings.

When we release the weight of yesterday, we make room for the blessings of tomorrow.

Philippians 3:13-14 reinforces this message: “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.”

Paul understood that holding onto past failures or regrets would only hinder his journey of faith.

Instead, he chose to focus on the future and God’s promises.

Letting Go of Worry and Fear

Fear and worry can grip the heart, making it difficult to move forward in faith.

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Many people hold onto control, thinking that if they worry enough or plan everything perfectly, they can prevent bad things from happening.

But the Bible teaches the opposite.

God calls His people to let go of anxiety and trust in His provision.

Matthew 6:25-27 states, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.

Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.

Are you not much more valuable than they?

Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

Jesus reminds us that worry accomplishes nothing.

Instead of holding onto fear, we are called to surrender our concerns to God.

1 Peter 5:7 encourages, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

Letting go of fear means placing our trust fully in God’s hands, believing that He will take care of every detail.

Letting Go of Relationships That No Longer Serve God’s Purpose

There are times when God calls people to let go of relationships.

This could be a toxic friendship, an unhealthy romantic relationship, or even family ties that pull someone away from their faith.

While letting go of people is painful, God’s Word reminds us that not every relationship is meant to last forever.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 states, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”

Just as seasons change, relationships can change as well.

Sometimes, God removes people from our lives to protect us or to lead us into a new season of growth.

Letting go doesn’t mean we stop loving others—it means we trust that God’s plan is greater than our attachments.

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Proverbs 13:20 warns, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

If a relationship is leading us away from God, it may be time to let go and surround ourselves with people who encourage our faith.

Letting Go of Grief and Loss

Grief is one of the most difficult things to release.

When we lose a loved one, a dream, or an opportunity, the pain can feel unbearable.

God never tells us to ignore our pain, but He does promise comfort and healing.

Psalm 34:18 assures, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

God sees every tear and understands every sorrow.

Letting go of grief does not mean forgetting—it means allowing God to bring healing so we can move forward with hope.

Revelation 21:4 gives this promise: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes.

There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

For those who grieve, letting go means trusting that one day, God will restore everything that has been lost.

Letting Go of Sin and Shame

Guilt and shame can be a heavy burden.

Many people struggle to let go of past mistakes, feeling unworthy of God’s love and forgiveness.

But the Bible teaches that through Jesus, all sins are washed away.

1 John 1:9 promises, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

God does not hold onto our sins, and He does not want us to either.

Psalm 103:12 declares, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”

Letting go of shame means accepting God’s grace and walking in the freedom of His forgiveness.

Romans 8:1 reminds believers, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

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If God has forgiven us, we must also forgive ourselves.

Letting Go and Trusting God’s Plan

At the heart of letting go is trust—trust that God knows best, that His timing is perfect, and that His plans are good.

Jeremiah 29:11 assures, “‘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.’”

Letting go requires faith in this promise.

It means releasing our grip on what we think we need and surrendering to what God has planned.

Proverbs 3:5-6 gives simple yet powerful advice: “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.”

When we trust in God, we can let go without fear.

He will lead us where we need to go, and He will provide for every need along the way.

Final Thoughts

Letting go is never easy, but it is necessary for spiritual growth and peace.

The Bible teaches that holding onto the past, fear, unhealthy relationships, grief, and shame can prevent us from fully experiencing God’s love and blessings.

By surrendering to God, we open ourselves to His healing, guidance, and new beginnings.

When we trust Him with our burdens, He replaces them with peace and hope.

No matter what you need to let go of today, remember that God’s hands are strong enough to carry you through.