What does it mean to let go and let God?

What does it mean to let go and let God?

Let go and let God. This is a catchy phrase that often comes up when a person is really stressing out over something. 

You may have seen this phrase on a bumper sticker, a t-shirt, or even a coffee mug.

So, what does it mean? 

Is it biblical? 

Underneath the phrase “Let go and let God” lays a significant issue for Christians.

Namely, “what is your responsibility and what is God’s responsibility?”  

After all, it would be foolish to let go of something that is our responsibility to take care of, assuming God will do something for us when he has never made that particular promise.

This question of God’s sovereignty and our responsibility is not new.

Over 1600 years ago, the church father St. Augustine once said “Without God, we cannot; without us, God will not.”

This is a bit of an extreme statement that is difficult to apply to every situation. However, as you survey the scriptures, it becomes clear that most of our lives do take place within this tension.

Take, for instance, two Proverbs that speak to this point:

Proverbs 16:9 The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

Now I don’t mean to imply that everything is up to us.

The Scripture shows us that we are saved by grace through faith and not our works meaning we had nothing to do with it Eph 2:8-10.

Likewise, the Scripture shows us that we are:

Sealed with the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:13)

Seated with Christ (Eph 2:6)

To be clear, there are certain things that we have nothing to do with, and we are the recipients of a gift from God.

But there is another part to this equation.

The Christian life is not something that happens without our participation.

The Bible is clear that we have responsibility.

Peter tells us that we must cast our anxieties on the Lord (1 Pet 5:7).

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To “Let Go and Let God” does not mean stop caring.

It means we take responsibility for the things that are in our court, and we trust God to do what only he can do.

So, how can we do that?

The apostle Paul shares some very practical advice in the book of Philippians.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Notice what the apostle Paul tells us we are supposed to do. 

First, we are to let our prayers and requests be known to God.

Then, we are to Let God grant us the peace of God that surpasses all understanding.

In Conclusion,

“Let Go and Let God” in its best sense means that we cast our cares and anxieties on the Lord in prayer and let Him release his peace in our lives.

If you are struggling right now with some anxiety, check out these scripture verses to meditate on and take a minute to pray this prayer.

Lord, I come to you with a heavy heart.

You know my worries and concerns.

Right now, I hand them over to you, knowing that you are good.

Would you fill me with your peace.

If I begin to worry again, guide me back to you.

In Jesus Name