The phrase “let go and let God” is commonly heard in Christian circles. But what does it really mean? And is it biblical advice? In examining Scripture, we find both instruction and caution regarding this popular saying.
The Call to Trust God
There are many verses that urge us to trust God rather than relying on our own understanding or strength. We are told to “commit your way to the Lord; trust in him” (Psalm 37:5) and to “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). Jesus taught that we should not worry about our lives, for “which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” (Matthew 6:27). He reminds us that God knows our needs and will provide for us if we “seek first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33).
This call to trust is an antidote to the anxiety and fear that often plague us. Rather than obsessing over situations we cannot control, we are encouraged to release them into God’s capable hands. As we pray about challenges and decisions, we can have confidence that God will guide and sustain us. Letting go of outcomes and trusting God with them allows us to live with more peace and less stress.
Active Participation Still Required
However, “let go and let God” is not a complete prescription for the Christian life. While we are called to trust in God’s sovereignty, we also have a responsibility to actively follow and serve Him. Throughout Scripture, we see an emphasis on joining our faith with action.
James speaks strongly against passive, ineffective faith: “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:17). Faith is supposed to spur us on to obedience and good deeds, not simply wait around hoping God will drop solutions in our laps. Jesus Himself calls us to abide in Him and bear fruit (John 15:1-8). Paul encourages the Philippians to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you” (Philippians 2:12-13). Our cooperation with God’s transforming work in us is essential.
While resting in God’s control, we must also pray, plan, work, give, serve, and act according to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Letting go does not imply sitting back and watching what happens next. God desires for us to participate with Him in what He is doing on earth. As Dallas Willard wrote, “Grace is not opposed to effort but to earning.”
Ask God for Wisdom in Application
“Let go and let God” is wise advice if it means releasing control to God and trusting in His loving plans. But taken too far, it can breed passivity and stagnation. We remember that faith without works is dead (James 2:17). God’s will is for us to trust Him wholeheartedly while also actively pursuing His purposes.
So in any situation, we can certainly lay our anxieties at God’s feet and trust He is in control. But we should also ask Him to reveal the next steps He desires us to take. As we let go of outcomes we cannot determine, we can pray for wisdom in how to apply faith and obedience. We release control while also retaining responsibility.
The right balance comes from staying constantly connected to God in prayerful dependence, while also studying Scripture and being sensitive to the Spirit’s guidance. When facing crossroads, we look to God but also seek counsel, count the cost, and evaluate options using Spirit-led wisdom and discernment.
We can rest in the fact that God holds the future. But we also plan and work as the Spirit directs, believing God desires to use us as partners in His redeeming work on earth. As traditional missionary C.T. Studd wrote, “Only one life, twill soon be past – only what’s done for Christ will last.” With both surrender and service, we live out God’s purposes.
In summary, “let go and let God” is helpful guidance if balanced with diligent participation in God’s work. Trusting God’s control with obedient action allows us to rest in His sovereignty while also walking in the good works He has foreordained us to accomplish (Ephesians 2:10).
The key is staying closely connected to God through Scripture study and prayer, sensitive to the Spirit’s leadership. As we continually seek and follow God’s direction, He will enable us to let go of anxiety while also picking up our cross to serve. We release outcomes because we know our lives are in His hands. We work and give our best because we know He desires to work through us.
By both letting go and participating with God, we discover peace, purpose and the fullness of life He intends for us.
We can prepare the horse for battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord. (Proverbs 21:31)
Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. (Proverbs 16:3)
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. (Proverbs 16:9)
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)
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. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. (Proverbs 3:5-7)
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6-7)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. (Psalm 84:11)
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. (2 Timothy 1:7)
Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. (Psalm 37:3-5)
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow. (Matthew 6:33-34)
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14:27)
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. (James 4:10)
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)
Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. (Psalm 55:22)
