In our daily lives, the desire to maintain control can often become a source of anxiety and frustration. Yet, the Bible teaches us to trust in God’s sovereignty and to let go of our obsessive need to manage every detail of our lives. Embracing this principle can lead us to a deeper faith and a more peaceful existence. Here are 32 Bible verses that emphasize the importance of releasing control and trusting in God’s plan for us.
Bible Verses About Letting Go of Control
1. Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord
“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.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Cross-References
Isaiah 26:4 – “Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.”
Jeremiah 17:7 – “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.”
Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
2. Matthew 6:34 – Do Not Worry
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:34
Cross-References
Lamentations 3:22-23 – “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Psalms 27:1 – “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?”
3. Isaiah 41:10 – Do Not Fear
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
Cross-References
Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Psalms 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Romans 8:31 – “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
4. Psalm 55:22 – Cast Your Burdens
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” – Psalm 55:22
Cross-References
1 Peter 5:7 – “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Psalms 37:5 – “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.”
Psalms 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
5. Philippians 4:19 – God Will Supply
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
Cross-References
Matthew 6:26 – “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?”
Romans 8:32 – “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”
2 Corinthians 9:8 – “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
6. Matthew 11:28-30 – Rest for the Weary
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” – Matthew 11:28-30
Cross-References
Revelation 3:20 – “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”
Psalms 62:1 – “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.”
Jeremiah 6:16 – “This is what the Lord says: Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”
7. John 14:27 – Peace I Leave
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27
Cross-References
Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
8. Jeremiah 29:11 – Plans for You
“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
Cross-References
Psalms 37:4 – “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
9. Romans 12:2 – Renew Your Mind
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2
Cross-References
Colossians 3:2 – “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
Ephesians 4:23 – “To be made new in the attitude of your minds.”
Philippians 2:5 – “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”
10. 2 Corinthians 5:7 – Walk by Faith
“For we live by faith, not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7
Cross-References
Hebrews 11:1 – “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Matthew 17:20 – “He replied, ‘Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.'”
James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
11. James 4:7 – Submit to God
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – James 4:7
Cross-References
1 Peter 5:6-7 – “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Proverbs 16:3 – “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
12. Hebrews 12:1 – Run the Race
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” – Hebrews 12:1
Cross-References
Philippians 3:13-14 – “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. 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.”
Galatians 5:7 – “You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?”
1 Corinthians 9:24 – “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.”
13. Psalms 37:7 – Be Still
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.” – Psalms 37:7
Cross-References
Hebrews 10:36 – “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”
Psalm 46:10 – “He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.'”
While you’re here, why not explore our latest article on: Bible verses about God In Control (With Cross-References)
14. Proverbs 16:9 – Man’s Plans
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” – Proverbs 16:9
Cross-References
Jeremiah 10:23 – “Lord, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.”
Psalms 19:21 – “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
15. 1 Corinthians 3:7 – God Gives Growth
“So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” – 1 Corinthians 3:7
Cross-References
Psalms 127:1 – “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.”
James 1:17 – “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
John 15:5 – “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.”
16. Matthew 5:3-4 – Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” – Matthew 5:3-4
Cross-References
Luke 6:20 – “Looking at his disciples, he said: ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.'”
Isaiah 61:1 – “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.”
17. Luke 12:25-26 – Who of You by Worrying?
“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” – Luke 12:25-26
Cross-References
Matthew 6:27 – “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”
Psalms 139:16 – “Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
Proverbs 12:25 – “Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.”
18. Matthew 7:7-8 – Ask, Seek, Knock
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7-8
Cross-References
Luke 11:10 – “For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”
Mark 11:24 – “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
19. Proverbs 12:15 – The Way of a Fool
“The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” – Proverbs 12:15
Cross-References
Proverbs 1:5 – “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.”
Psalms 1:1-2 – “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.”
James 1:19 – “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
20. 2 Timothy 1:7 – Spirit of Power
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, of love and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
Cross-References
Romans 8:15 – “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.'”
Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
1 John 4:18 – “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
21. Acts 1:7 – Times and Dates
“He said to them: ‘It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.’” – Acts 1:7
Cross-References
Matthew 24:36 – “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
Ephesians 1:10 – “To be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.”
Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
22. Ecclesiastes 3:1 – A Time for Everything
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1
Cross-References
Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
James 5:7 – “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.”
Psalms 27:14 – “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
23. Colossians 3:23 – Work Heartily
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” – Colossians 3:23
Cross-References
1 Corinthians 10:31 – “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Galatians 6:4 – “Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else.”
Ephesians 6:7 – “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people.”
24. James 1:6 – Ask in Faith
“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” – James 1:6
Cross-References
Hebrews 11:6 – “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
25. Isaiah 26:3 – Perfect Peace
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” – Isaiah 26:3
Cross-References
Philippians 4:7 – “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
2 Thessalonians 3:16 – “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”
26. Hebrews 4:16 – Approach God’s Throne
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16
Cross-References
Ephesians 2:18 – “For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.”
Romans 5:1-2 – “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand, and we boast in the hope of the glory of God.”
1 John 5:14 – “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”
27. 1 John 5:14-15 – Confidence in Prayer
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” – 1 John 5:14-15
Cross-References
James 4:3 – “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”
Matthew 21:22 – “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
28. 1 Peter 4:12-13 – Rejoice in Suffering
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” – 1 Peter 4:12-13
Cross-References
James 1:2 – “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
Romans 5:3-5 – “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
2 Corinthians 1:5 – “For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.”
29. Psalm 32:8 – Guidance
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” – Psalm 32:8
Cross-References
Proverbs 3:6 – “In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Isaiah 30:21 – “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.'”
Psalms 25:9 – “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.”
30. Job 11:13-15 – Hope in God
“If you put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent, then, free of fault, you will lift up your face; you will stand firm and without fear.” – Job 11:13-15
Cross-References
Psalms 42:5 – “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”
31. Proverbs 3:7 – Fear the Lord
“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.” – Proverbs 3:7
Cross-References
Psalms 111:10 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.”
Proverbs 14:16 – “The wise fear the Lord and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.”
Proverbs 19:23 – “The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.”
32. Romans 15:5-6 – Unity and Glory
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 15:5-6
Cross-References
Philippians 2:2 – “Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.”
Ephesians 4:3 – “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
1 Corinthians 1:10 – “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”
Also check out this article on: Bible verses about Self Control (With Cross-References)
Final Thoughts
Letting go of control is a profound spiritual journey that invites us to trust God in ways we may never have considered before. The verses presented highlight the importance of surrendering our worries and fears to God while reminding us that true peace and strength stem from faith in Him. As we release our desire to control every aspect of our lives, we open ourselves to experience the fullness of God’s plans for us and deepen our relationship with Him. Each verse serves as a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles and that God cares deeply for our well-being. Embracing this truth can lead us to a more abundant and less anxious life.