Women know how to get things done and make things happen. By nature, we’re problem solvers. We juggle kids’ schedules, whip up dinner from a near-empty pantry, and figure out what to do when the forgetful tooth fairy leaves a child in tears.
In other words, we manage life.
That’s why it’s hard to admit we have issues we don’t know how to handle. Even when everything in us screams “Give it to God and let it go!” we just don’t know how.
Whether we’re confronted with a minor problem or a punch in the gut, we’re conditioned to think we can solve it on our own.
But the truth is, we weren’t meant to.
Difficult relationships, strained finances, failing health, and a zillion other things are often more than we can handle. But they’re not more than God can handle.
That’s why the Bible says God wants us to give everything to Him.
Let him have all your worries and cares, for he is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you.
WHY IS IT SO HARD TO GIVE IT TO GOD AND LET IT GO?
No one faced a bigger issue than King Jehosephat, one of the good kings of Judah. His enemies were coming against him in droves and the Bible says he was afraid.
After this, the Moabites and Ammonites, together with some of the Meunites, came to fight against Jehoshaphat. Jehosephat was afraid…
Can’t you relate? Problems ignite fear in us. And rightly so. After all, we don’t have a crystal ball to peer into to make sure everything will work out the way we want them to.
We know life is uncertain. We’re always at risk of losing something or someone dear to us.
And sometimes that can feel downright scary.
So, we hold onto our fragile lives with everything we’ve got. As though we have the power to protect ourselves and the ones we love from hurt, loss, or disappointment. We want to let go and let God handle it, but nothing about that feels natural.
To be honest, giving our lives to God isn’t natural. That’s why it takes supernatural faith.
WHERE TO FIND ENOUGH FAITH TO GIVE IT TO GOD AND LET IT GO
Supernatural faith is not reserved for the saints in the Bible. It’s available to every single child of God!
So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ.
Our faith grows as we read and study the Bible.
When life comes at us and we struggle to give it to God and let it go, it’s because our fear is big and our faith is small. That’s when we know it’s time to dig into the Bible and allow God to increase our faith.
As we read the scriptures, the Holy Spirit teaches us about Jesus. The more we know Him, the more we trust Him. And as our faith in Him grows, our fears diminish.
No doubt King Jehosephat’s faith was bigger than his fears. Because when life got messy, He didn’t go into panic mode.
GIVING IT TO GOD MEANS GOING STRAIGHT TO HIM
Here’s why I know King Jeshosephat’s faith was big.
The enemy was coming against him, but he didn’t stop to strategize. He didn’t consult his wife or kids. And he didn’t do a Google search.
Incredibly, the Bible says King Jehosephat went straight to God.
Jehosephat was afraid, and he resolved to seek the Lord.
2 Chronicles 20:3
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I find it’s easier to talk about God than it is to go to God.
King Jehosephat wasn’t one of those people who says “Well, we’ve done everything else we can do. I guess the only thing left to do is pray.” Have you ever considered how contrary that kind of statement is to scripture?
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.
Prayer wasn’t a last resort for the king. It was a first resort.
Why don’t we pray?
To begin with, prayer requires humility. We can’t go to God in prayer without admitting we’re weak and He’s strong. That we’re sinful and He’s holy. And that, in light of His sovereignty, we know nothing.
For women like us, whose culture applauds an “I’ve got this” attitude, it’s hard to admit the truth. We’re weak. We don’t know all the answers. And we can’t fix everything.
King Jehosephat didn’t let his royal position go to his head. He may have been leading a kingdom, but he was bowing to a King.
Here’s what he said to God:
We do not know what to do, but we look to You.
Some of the most meaningful and effective prayers I’ve ever prayed amounted to those twelve small words. “God, I don’t know what to do. But I’m depending on You.”
The world calls us to flex our muscles and be strong. But God says if you want to be powerful, first admit you’re weak. We can spend a lot of effort praying an eloquent prayer, but I believe the words God finds most beautiful are simply these: “Help me, God.” Sadly, those words are missing from many of our prayers.
Each time he said, “No. But I am with you; that is all you need. My power shows up best in weak people.
When King Jehosephat prayed “We do not know what to do, but we look to You” he was saying he and the people of Judah were looking to God for the solution to their problem. They had chosen to trust Him. They didn’t know how God would help them, but they believed He would.
That’s where a lot of us fail. When we face uncertainty or hardship, we don’t want to give it to God and let it go. Because in all honesty, even if we’re okay with letting God have our problem, we want to have a say in the solution.
GIVING IT TO GOD MEANS HANDS OFF
After King Jehosephat prayed, the people got still and listened to God.
And here’s what God said:
“…the battle is not yours, but God’s.”
Wow.
For a Christian, nothing is more true.
We belong to God. And He will fight for us.
What can we ever say to such wonderful things as these? If God is on our side, who can ever be against us?
God told Jehosephat and the people of Judah that He would bring victory. But he told them to do these things:
You do not have to fight this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD. He is with you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Tomorrow, go out to face them, for the LORD is with you.’”
2 Chronicles 20:17
FOUR WAYS TO MAKE SURE YOU REALLY GIVE IT TO GOD AND LET IT GO
1. Position yourself.
Seek God and bow before him (this is a heart position, but if you feel like getting on your knees or facedown, you can do that, too). Humble yourself under His rightful authority over your life.
For God has bought you with a great price. So use every part of your body to give glory back to God because he owns it.
Acknowledge that he’s God and you’re not. Admit your doubts, fears, insecurities, and pride.
But if we confess our sins to him, he can be depended on to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong. And it is perfectly proper for God to do this for us because Christ died to wash away our sins.
Thank Him for who He is and for what He’s done.
2. Stand in faith.
Read the Bible. Believe what God has said in His Word. Stand on His promises.
This is not passive. Faith stills our hearts but it moves us to action.
3. Face your issues
The people of Judah got up early the next morning and went out to the battlefield. Some of them led the armed troops into battle singing praise songs! The stunning reality is, the people who led the troops in praise are the ones whose lives would have been taken first if everything had gone south!
Faith not only moves us, but it motivates us to do the impossible. The unusual. The outlandish. To trust God with our resources when, to the world, that looks crazy. To follow Him in ways that don’t make sense to anyone. And to praise God when we have no idea how our lives will hash out.
That’s why we can face life head-on once we give it to God and let it go. With God as our refuge, we’re safe in His eternal arms. There’s nothing anyone can do to us and nothing anyone can take from us that will matter in the end. Our destiny is secure. We can safely confront our circumstances.
4. Start celebrating
The people of Judah praised God before the battle ever took place. When we position ourselves under the mighty hand of God and believe His promises, our hearts naturally want to praise Him. Like the people of Judah, we don’t know how or when God will bring victory, but we know He will. In His time. Maybe in a way we can see with our eyes or maybe in a way we’ll see only in heaven. But His promises are certain. He will make a way. Perhaps miraculously, with no participation from us―or maybe with our help.
Before Judah ever engaged in battle, God caused their enemies to turn against each other and wipe each other out. The people of Judah never lifted a finger.
No matter how big our problems are or how insurmountable they seem, we can praise God because He is with us. He’ll never leave us.
GIVE IT UP AND CELEBRATE
No matter what kind of life issue you’re facing today, you can give it to God and let it go. He is a good God, and our lives are secure in His hands. Nothing is an obstacle to God. He will fulfill His purpose and have His way no matter how large the problem or how enormous the obstacle.
The people of Judah trusted God and witnessed a miracle. They humbled themselves, believed God, and praised Him for who He is.
We can do the same thing. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to miss the wonderful work that God may do in my life and heart if I simply decide to trust Him with my whole life.
Like the people of Judah, we can celebrate what God will do before our problems are ever solved!
BIBLE VERSES TO HELP YOU GIVE IT TO GOD AND LET IT GO
Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For the Lord your God is the one who will go with you; He will not leave you or abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
God—His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is pure. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. (2 Samuel 22:31)
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock where I seek refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:2)
God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. (Psa 46:1)
It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humanity. (Psalm 118:8)
Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff—they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely. And may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; He will do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)
Now to Him who is able to protect you from stumbling and to make you stand in the presence of his glory, without blemish and with great joy. (Jude 1:24)
This is such a great post! Giving it to God is truly the best way to deal with anything in your life. No need to worry or fret over things. Surrender it to Him and rest knowing He already has a plan for you!
That’s right, LeeAnn! I’m so grateful for the rest I find in Him! Thanks for reading!
I empathize with it being more reflexive to talk about God than give it to God and let it go! Thanks for including the steps and not overlooking the celebration!
Yes! I so much want to be a true and faithful follower of God and that means knowing and trusting Him, not just knowing ABOUT Him! Thanks for reading!
Thanks! God had me read this this evening. Been struggling all day with a decision that needs to be made. Was convicted midday that there have been a lot of small areas that I haven’t stopped to pray about first (in fact, my youngest pointed it out). Doing a better job of it tonight when we lost the swim coverup. Still don’t know where it is, but God does. And the other bigger decision? This was the reminder to leave it in His capable hands now that I have prayed about it. And to praise Him for the answer He will bring.
I love that you’re always striving to know God better and to follow Him more faithfully. That’s what I want too. And when I give Him the small things, it’s such great practice for trusting Him with the “bigger” things. He’s so faithful.
This is a wonderful post!! Thank you so much 💖🙏
Thank you for reading, Donita! I hope it was an encouragement to you.
I had been dealing with a family matter for awhile. I apologized face to face to the person , I asked God for forgiveness and forgave myself. I was still being pressured by someone to go back yet again to say I was sorry in order for that person and I could be on speaking terms. I speak but that person still doesn’t. I asked God to intervene because I am truly sorry for whatever I have done, knowing and unknown. I still pray about it and for the person but I am not trying to mulnipulate it in any kind of way. Simply keep on praying. Am I wrong about this??
Debbie, I’m so sorry you’re experiencing a difficult family relationship. I know how hard that can be. But it sounds like you’ve humbled yourself before God, you have faith that God can work powerfully where you can’t, and you’ve faced your issue (owned up to your own part in the strained relationship and apologized). So yes, keep praying and ask God to help and heal the relationship. In my own life those are usually the times when I ask God to change someone else, but in the end He most changes me:) So there’s reason to celebrate. If you continue to humble yourself before God, He’ll use this situation to grow your faith and your spiritual maturity. I’ll pray with you.
I praise God for allowing me to read this and I am giving it all to him now. Faith can move mountains and I have renewed faith that God will conquer all. Prayers needed always. Our God is an awesome God.
Elisabeth, I’m so grateful God used this in your life. That’s a huge blessing for me. I’m praying for you right now as you persevere in faith.
Just read How To Give It To God And Let It Go…from 2019. Loved it. Have a great daughter who’s having marriage issues. It’s eating me up. I feel so bad. Kids involved. Can’t get too involved. My wife says we have to pray hard & give it to God. Man , it’s hard to do. But I’m going to work hard on this. Glad I found this article/topic! Thanks Danny🙏
Danny, I’m glad this article resonated with you. I’m sorry about your daughter’s marriage issues, but I can assure you from my own experience that the Lord can work a miracle in marriages when we allow Him to 🙂 I pray she seeks Him and allows Him to restore her marriage. Blessings to you.
I find this very inspiring, liberating and the answer to my questions. Praise God.
Rosemarie, I’m honored the Lord used my blog post to speak to you. Thank you for letting me know. Many blessings to you!
People know God as the ultimate authority – the creator of heaven and earth, and the beginning and the end of the universe. Although these things are true, God is also actually more than these titles. Beyond His grand authority is a father and a companion whom we can place our whole confidence and trust in. He is our comforter, protector, and provider.
Amen, David.
I have just read this. I feel stupid and know that the lord is always with me. Lord may I never forget your promises that are in your word. Thank You, for your help annually, monthly, weekly, hourly, monthly, and every second of my life. May my life be a light, in darkness.
What a beautiful prayer, Marie. We need Him every moment, and He’s always there. Thanks for stopping by.
The Jehosaphat story is incredible…”the battle is Gods” is so profound for me especially in a personal health situation…thank you
Yes its true I had a problem but since I read this am free for me is to read the word of God
This was indeed helpful. I’m learning to give my all to God. I’m preparing for an exam and lots of bad testimonies from people about how terrible results are. Now i’ve Learnt to celebrate because only God’s will will stand in my life. Thanks ma’am and God bless you
Jane, what a precious testimony of faithfulness. I said a prayer for you, and I know the Lord will give you a special sense of His presence as you continue to trust Him. Thank you for taking the time to comment.
This is helping me right now! I am printing it out and putting it up so I can read it everyday! Thank you
Laurie, this gives me so much joy! I’m glad it was helpful to you! Many blessings to you as you trust the Lord and draw closer to Him in faith. Thanks so much for letting me hear from you!
For more than 10 years, I’m very tired of crying and praying for the same thing over and over again. But praise God for He knows what we need. Give it all to Jesus!
This blessed me sooooo much. I was down and weak as a result of many issues, health, family, finances…but received new strength to rise above them and give them to God. Thanks for the post. God bless you.
Sola, it blesses me know my words encouraged you! Thank you for letting me know.
I am dealing with a child that is being alienated from me. I am struggling daily to breathe. My body hurts. I have done all that I can do to have him come back to our home. The only thing I have left…is to give it to God. I have never prayed or only know the bible stories vaguely. How do I all of a sudden have faith? I feel like I’m “using” God because I’m at my lowest of low and can’t physically change anything.
Katy, I’m so sorry. But let me assure you, it makes no difference if you’ve never prayed before. When you cry out to God in faith, He hears you. And “He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Ask God to give you faith, to help you trust Him. He delights in doing that. I will pray for you as you look to Him.