Bible Verses About Letting Go of the Past

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Bible verses about letting go of the past mean one thing: you want to move on and put the past behind you, right? It’s time to let go and let God!

Are you ready to kick-off this brand new year and decade with a clean slate and walk forward in freedom with no baggage? To do so, you need an arsenal of bible verses about letting go so you have them ready at your disposal. 

This post is for you if you’re looking for bible verses on letting go of hurt or bible verses on leaving the past behind. God has an entire future prepared for you!

bible verses about letting go

Bible Verses About Letting Go

When it comes to bible verses about letting go, you have to know there are some things that are just flat out easier to let go of than others. Especially if it’s been a difficult and rough year, it’s definitely not hard to say “Adios” and kick the bad out the door and into another decade. See ya.

Sometimes though, we do not have a choice in the matter and have been forced to let things go that we weren’t ready to give up. Maybe you’ve had to learn a new normal and adapt to change that you weren’t ready or prepared for.

That’s a tough adjustment with growing pains that hurt and stretch us.

And then, of course, there are those things we just know we need to let go of. They are not good for us, are poor for our health (mental, physical, emotional, or spiritual), or have way too much power and control in our lives than we care to admit.

Whatever the case may be, letting go can be such a challenge to walk through.

Here’s the thing though:

Letting Go is Easier When We Realize God is in Control

Having bible verses about letting go close by help us remember this truth when we are tempted to think otherwise.

What does God say about letting things go?

Have you tried it your way already? White-knuckling “it” and realizing your way isn’t that great?

Have you tried to hold on to a relationship, a hurt, past mistakes, sin, guilt, failures, worry, regrets, fears, “should haves”, pain, or the illusion of control? Are you tired of all the weight? 

The following bible verses about leaving the past behind will only be helpful if we trust that God is in control and has our best interests at heart.

Do you trust that He has something better in store for you?

I love how C.S. Lewis puts it:

“There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”

In other words, what good things God has in store for you are always ahead of you, not in your yesterday.

Trust Him when we’re told in Romans 8:28, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”

That’s #1 Bible Verse About Letting Go.

I put this bible verse about letting God take control here at the beginning because it’s important to realize that all that you’ve been through has brought you to this very place for a reason. 

What does it mean to Let Go and Let God?

We’ve all heard this before and some make it sound so simple, “Let go and let God!” But offering this as advice and putting it into practice are two very distinct details!

Letting go and letting God is surrendering whatever you have been fiercely holding on it with your own strength and handing it over to God. It’s surrendering to His will, plans, and purpose.

A lot of times (ok, most of the time) we do not know what’s on the other side of letting go until we’ve surrendered to God. He’s trustworthy and faithful though and He’s proven Himself throughout history.

While it is a difficult surrender to let go and let God, its foundation is on trusting in the Orchestrator of life. He has a great purpose for all things, one being His desire for us to draw near to Him.

This is why it is so important to know and cling to bible verses about letting go of the past! To remind you WHO is in control of your tomorrow.

What the bible says about letting go of the past

Are you convinced that God will redeem your past?

God has allowed and used these things in your life to bring you to this moment so that you move towards Him. He has redemption in store for you regarding your past that is possible through faith in Jesus Christ alone!

It’s been His desire all along that you let go and seek Him. He has a purpose in all of it and He has a great plan for you.

Are you wondering what His plan for you is?

Jeremiah 29:11 tells us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

That sounds wonderful to me. What do you think?

Bible Verses About Leaving the Past Behind

Do you believe God’s words when He says He knows what’s planned for you? Do you believe Him when He says they’re good plans and they are in place to give you a future and a hope?

There’s just one little teeny tiny catch though….

They are God’s plans.

You have to relinquish your plans to enjoy His good plans. That’s why it is so important to trust Him. He truly desires good for us. 

bible verses about letting go

Need another verse to prove it?

What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? Romans 8:31-32

God is for us. So much that He gave up His only son for our behalf. He’s trustworthy.

So add Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:31-32 to your list of bible verses about letting go. Don’t worry, they’re listed at the end as well but these are good ones to note on their own.

Amazing Benefits of Trusting God and Letting God Take Control

It certainly can be hard to trust God but maybe you’ve come to a point that you’re out of options and that’s all that’s left. 

However you got here, know this: you’re in for an adventure of a lifetime.

When you let go and let God, your days can be filled with:

  • Anticipation for what is to come
  • Immeasurably more than you could imagine
  • Freedom from past snares and entanglement
  • Blessings that can be savored each day
  • Rest from giving up control
  • Healing from past wounds and hurts
  • Joy in walking with God
  • Peace knowing God is for you and with you

There are many more benefits and blessings to add to this list but this is a good start!

Here’s the deal:

Letting go and trusting God is the only way that works to your benefit. It doesn’t guarantee easy, or smooth sailing, or life without struggle – that’s fairytale land.

But you’ll be walking your days with the King of kings and the Lord of lords, the Creator of the Universe, and the God of Angel Armies.

There is no one better to go forward with!

When You Let Go, Fix Your Eyes So You Are Not Tempted To Look Back

bible verses about letting go of the past

Bible Verses About Letting Go Of The Past

Bookmark, print, save, do whatever you need to do to keep these bible verses about letting go close by. Arsenals just collect dust if they aren’t used.

When you flirt with the idea of going back to the bad you’ve let go of, firmly fix your eyes on the good that is up ahead.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18

We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Hebrews 12:2

Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. Proverbs 4:25-27

Remember, peace comes when you’re walking with God and trusting Him.

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.  Isaiah 26:3 

Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Open wide your heart and hands.

Below, you’ll find 16 bible verses about letting go of the past and living free.

Bible verses about letting go

16 Bible Verses About Letting Go

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? Romans 8:31-32

The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:8 

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and my load is not hard to carry. Matthew 11:28-30 

And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:32

Bible Verses About Leaving The Past Behind

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

Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. Isaiah 43:1

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him, as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgression from us. Psalm 103:11-12

But one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead. I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12

For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you. Deuteronomy 31:6

The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:8

Prayers To Let Go Of The Past

If you’re ready to trust God and let go of the past, say a prayer or use this prayer to let go of the past fully and completely so you can receive the freedom of today and tomorrow!

Lord, thank you for your sacrifice on the cross and for redeeming my past mistakes, failures, and letdowns. I want to surrender my past to you and let go of all the times I’ve tried to hold on to and control.

Father, help me trust you with my tomorrow. Open my eyes and heart to the blessings of freedom, life, joy, and hope you have in store for me. Thank you always for your faithfulness and knowing that I can come to you any moment to let go and let you take control! In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Bible Verses About Letting Go

There is so much more for you on the other side of letting go! Trust that God will redeem your past. Use these 16 Bible Verses About Letting Go to spur you on!

Embrace today and tomorrow with eager anticipation for the life and future God has in store for you.

Let go and move forward today!

Call to Action:

Choose one bible verse about letting go that spoke to your heart and keep it close by. Work on memorizing it so you can remember God’s word in the moment you need it!

You may also find the following posts helpful:

When Worried Arm Yourself with Bible Verses

4 Powerful Promises for Each Day

When You Feel Far From God There Is Hope

bible verses about letting go


Here are the blogs I link up with: Grace & Truth Christians Link-Up .

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10 thoughts on “Bible Verses About Letting Go of the Past”

    1. I’m so thrilled this encouraged you!! We have great things to look forward to in 2020. The adventure begins! Thank you so much for stopping by!

  1. Thank you for sharing these Bible Verses about Letting go and moving on in 2020! Praying this new year is a blessing all around! It was cool to find your blog in the Grace and truth link up! It seems just right for me 😉

    1. Hi Tiffany! Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and comment! I’m glad the link-up brought you here and I’m wishing you a faith-filled year!

  2. Thank you for this beautiful post and verses. I am heading into a year of letting go and most likely writing about it too. Thank you for sharing with Grace & Truth Link-Up.

  3. So much truth here. Moving forward is easier if we let go of the past instead of trying to drag it along with us. But I’m pretty good at hanging on. Thanks for sharing these Bible verses about letting go and moving on in 2020.

    1. It absolutely is and so important to keep our eyes fixed on God. I truly appreciate you stopping by today! May our tomorrow be filled with eager anticipation of what’s to come!

  4. Thanks Erin I have enjoyed reading your post. This one really hit home for me.
    I’m working on letting go and moving forward and this is a great reminder to have these verses ready so when we are tempted to look back.
    Thanks for sharing these verses so we will have them to fight off any of those unwanted thoughts so we can continue to fix our eyes on God and go forward.

    1. Hi Brenda – thank you so much for stopping by. Your comment warmed my heart. I’m so glad the Lord used this to encourage you as you go forward in the new year and keep your eyes on Him!

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