“Surrender” is a scary word, isn’t it? It sounds like defeat, like giving up.
But when it comes to our relationship with God, surrender is actually the key to peace, joy, and freedom.
Letting go of control doesn’t mean you’re giving up — it means you’re giving in to God’s perfect plan for your life. And that, my friend, is a beautiful thing.
If you’ve ever found yourself trying to control every little detail of your life, overthinking every decision, or staying up at night playing out worst-case scenarios, you’re not alone.
We’ve all been there. Trusting God with every part of our lives — our families, careers, health, and future — isn’t always easy.
But it is possible.
Here are 7 practical steps you can take to “let go and let God” in every area of your life.
(You can download a printable version of this page at the very end.)
1. Admit That You’re Not in Control (And That’s Okay!)
It sounds simple, but it’s one of the hardest steps to take. We like to feel in control of our lives.
We want to have the answers, plan the outcomes, and avoid uncertainty.
But here’s the truth: You were never in control to begin with.
The good news is, God is in control. He sees the big picture, and He knows what’s best for you.
When you admit that you don’t have to figure everything out, it lifts a massive weight off your shoulders.
How to apply this step:
Pray something simple like, “God, I’m tired of trying to control everything. I give it to You. Take over and lead me.” You don’t need fancy words. God knows your heart.
Verse to remember:
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” — Proverbs 16:9
2. Identify What You’re Holding On To
We all have “that thing” we struggle to surrender. Maybe it’s your finances, your marriage, your health, or your career.
Whatever it is, God already knows about it — and He’s asking you to place it in His hands.
Sometimes, we hold on because we believe the lie that we can do it better than God. Other times, it’s fear that if we let go, things will fall apart.
But God has never let you down, and He’s not about to start now.
How to apply this step:
Take a moment to reflect: What are you still trying to control? Write it down in a journal or say it out loud in prayer. Then tell God, “Lord, I trust You with (insert your struggle here). I know You have a better plan than I do.”
Verse to remember:
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7
3. Release It to God in Prayer (For Real This Time!)
Let’s be honest — sometimes we say we’re giving something to God, but five minutes later, we’re worrying about it again.
It’s like handing God a box and then snatching it back.
Real surrender means truly handing it over and leaving it there.
Picture yourself placing your worry, situation, or struggle into God’s hands and walking away.
How to apply this step:
The next time anxiety creeps in, stop what you’re doing and pray:
“God, I’m giving this situation back to You. I know I’ve been holding onto it, but I choose to trust You now. Take it and give me peace.”
Verse to remember:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” — Philippians 4:6
4. Replace Worry with Worship
Here’s a game-changer: You can’t worry and worship at the same time.
One will always push the other out. So if worry is taking over, it’s time to start praising God.
When we worship, we shift our focus off of our problems and onto the One who can solve them. Worship reminds us of God’s power, faithfulness, and love.
Suddenly, the things we were worried about don’t seem so big anymore.
How to apply this step:
When you feel overwhelmed, turn on worship music and sing along. You can also spend 5 minutes each day listing things you’re grateful for. Gratitude is a form of worship!
Verse to remember:
“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10
5. Surrender Daily (Not Just Once)
Surrender isn’t a one-time event — it’s a daily decision. Every morning, you’ll have to choose to trust God again.
Every night, you’ll have to resist the urge to pick your worries back up.
Here’s a secret: It gets easier with time. The more you see God come through for you, the more you’ll trust Him next time.
How to apply this step:
Start each morning with this simple prayer:
“God, I don’t know what today holds, but I know You’re in control. I trust You with every part of it.”
Verse to remember:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” — Proverbs 3:5
Looking for some additional resources for studying the Bible? Here is an extensive library of (free) monthly topical Bible reading plans.
6. Stop Trying to “Figure It All Out”
You don’t have to have all the answers. Read that again.
God is the One writing your story, and sometimes He’ll only show you one step at a time.
This can be frustrating, especially if you’re a planner (like me!).
But God is calling you to trust Him step by step, not plan by plan.
How to apply this step:
When you feel overwhelmed by unanswered questions, pray this:
“God, I don’t know the whole plan, but I trust You to guide my next step.”
Verse to remember:
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105
7. Trust That God’s Plan Is Better Than Yours
I know, I know — sometimes we think our plan is better. But God sees the end from the beginning.
He knows what’s ahead, and His plan is always for your good, even when it doesn’t feel like it in the moment.
Look back at your life. Can you see the moments where God’s plan turned out better than yours? If He did it before, He’ll do it again.
He truly has good plans for your life!
How to apply this step:
The next time you feel frustrated that things aren’t going according to your plan, say this out loud:
“God, I trust You. I know Your plan is better than mine. Help me to follow Your lead.”
Verse to remember:
“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.” — Jeremiah 29:11
Reflection
Letting go and letting God isn’t about “doing nothing.” It’s about letting Him be in charge while you walk in faith and obedience.
You’re not giving up — you’re giving over.
God loves you too much to leave you on your own. He’s working things out for your good, even when you can’t see it yet.
- Which area of your life are you struggling to surrender to God right now (your family, finances, health, future, etc.)? What is one small step you can take today to give it over to Him?
- When was a time in your life when you trusted God and saw Him work things out in a way that was better than your original plan? How can remembering that moment encourage you to trust Him again?
- What’s one daily habit you can create to remind yourself to surrender control to God (like starting your morning with prayer, journaling, or listening to worship music)? How will you put it into practice this week?
If you’ve been holding on to control, I challenge you to try these 7 steps. Surrender your heart, your plans, and your fears to God.
Then watch Him work in ways you never imagined.
You don’t have to have it all figured out, friend. You just have to trust the One who does.
Be sure to download a printable version of this page to keep in your study journal!
