Give it to God: Biblical Lessons and Practical Steps for True Peace
Please note that this article may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. You can read more at the bottom of this page or read my full disclosure on my Affiliate Disclosure Page
Life often feels like a whirlwind. Stress, worry, and the need to control outcomes can leave us feeling burdened and drained. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the weight of your responsibilities, you’re not alone. The Bible offers a solution that brings peace and freedom: give it to God. But what does it truly mean to let go and let God handle our challenges, and how can we practically live out this principle?
In this post, we’ll explore:
- What it means to give it to God.
- Lessons from biblical stories about surrender and faith.
- Practical steps to let go and let God handle your burdens.
- The blessings that come from trusting God with every aspect of your life.
By the end, you’ll see that giving it to God is not just a spiritual practice—it’s the pathway to peace and purpose.
Don’t miss your free download of our Give it to God Bible Study, Reflection, and Action Challenge Guide! This printable resource includes worksheets, thought-provoking questions, and a powerful prayer to help you on your journey. Best of all, no sign-up is required—grab your copy at the end of this post!
What Does It Mean to Give It to God?
The phrase “give it to God” is simple to say but deeply transformative when fully understood. At its essence, it means entrusting your worries, fears, and even your desires into God’s hands, releasing them from your tight grip. It’s a decision to acknowledge that God is sovereign, all-knowing, and fully capable of handling every situation in your life—far better than you ever could.
Letting go and letting God isn’t about avoiding responsibility or giving up. It’s about accepting your limits and trusting in God’s limitless power and wisdom.
Imagine a child bringing a broken toy to their parent. The child knows they can’t fix it themselves, but they trust their parent to make it whole. Similarly, giving it to God means presenting Him with the broken or heavy pieces of our lives and trusting Him to work all things together for good (Romans 8:28).
When we let go and let God handle it, we invite Him to guide us. This doesn’t mean we won’t act or make decisions, but our actions will stem from faith, not fear. Surrendering to God allows us to exchange anxiety for peace, as 1 Peter 5:7 encourages:
“…having cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares about you.”
NASB
This verse paints a vivid picture of casting off the weight that burdens us and placing it on the shoulders of the One who can carry it.
Biblical Stories of Giving It to God
The Bible is filled with rich examples of individuals who chose to let go and let God handle their most pressing challenges. These stories not only inspire but also teach us how surrendering to God leads to His peace, provision, and glory.
Abraham’s Willingness to Sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22:1-19)
Abraham’s story shows what it means to trust God completely—even with what we value most. When God asked him to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac, the child through whom God had promised to build a great nation, Abraham obeyed without hesitation.
He took Isaac to Mount Moriah, prepared the altar, and was ready to offer his son, trusting that God would remain faithful to His promises.
At the last moment, God intervened, providing a ram for the sacrifice. Abraham’s willingness to surrender Isaac not only spared his son’s life but also strengthened his faith in God’s character. Abraham called the place “The Lord Will Provide” (Adonai Yireh in Hebrew), a name that testifies to God’s faithfulness when we let go and trust Him completely.
Letting go and letting God handle it means placing even our most precious relationships, dreams, and goals in His hands, trusting Him to care for them in ways we cannot.
Hannah’s Prayer for a Child (1 Samuel 1:1-28)
Hannah’s story shows the power of trusting God with our deepest desires. For years, Hannah endured the pain of infertility and the taunts of others, yet she poured her heart out to God in prayer. She didn’t demand an answer but humbly surrendered her desire for a child to God, even promising to dedicate her child to His service if He granted her request.
God heard Hannah’s prayer and blessed her with a son, Samuel, who grew to become a great prophet. In surrendering her deepest longing to God, Hannah found peace, joy, and a purpose greater than she could have imagined.
When we let go of our desires and trust God with the outcome, we make room for His greater plans to unfold.
Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46)
No story captures the act of surrendering to God’s will more vividly than Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. As He faced the reality of the cross, Jesus prayed:
“My Father, if this cup cannot pass away unless I drink from it, Your will be done.”
NASB
Despite His anguish, Jesus chose to let go of His human fears and embrace God’s plan for salvation.
Jesus’ surrender brought the strength He needed to endure the cross and accomplish the redemption of humanity. His example teaches us that letting go and letting God handle our fears doesn’t eliminate challenges but equips us with the peace and strength to face them.
David’s Trust During Persecution (1 Samuel 24)
David had every reason to take matters into his own hands when King Saul, consumed by jealousy, wanted to kill him. When David found himself in a position to harm Saul and end his persecution, he chose instead to spare Saul’s life, trusting that God would bring justice in His time.
David’s decision to let go and let God handle the situation demonstrated his deep faith in God’s sovereignty. It also protected his integrity and let God’s plan for him move forward without compromise.
When we face injustice or opposition, letting go of the desire for revenge and trusting God to handle it frees us from bitterness and aligns us with His righteous purposes.
Why Is It Hard to Let Go?
Letting go and letting God handle it is easier said than done. Many of us struggle to surrender control because of deeply ingrained fears and doubts.
- Fear of the Unknown: We often prefer the illusion of control because it feels safer than stepping into uncertainty. However, God calls us to walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).
- Attachment to Control: Our culture often celebrates independence and self-reliance, making it hard to admit that we need help—even from God.
- Lack of Faith: Doubts about God’s goodness or power can prevent us from fully trusting Him, especially when we don’t see immediate answers to our prayers.
Romans 8:28 reassures us that “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him.” This promise invites us to trust that God is always working for our benefit, even when we don’t understand His timing or methods.
Practical Steps to Give It to God
Surrendering to God requires both faith and intentional action. Here are practical steps to help you let go and let God handle the burdens weighing you down:
Identify Your Burden
Take time to reflect on what’s causing you stress or anxiety. Whether it’s a relationship, a financial challenge, or an uncertain future, naming the burden can help you recognize what you need to surrender. Writing it down can be a helpful exercise.
Pray for Guidance
Bring your concerns to God in prayer, openly and honestly. Tell Him what’s on your heart and ask for His help. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to present our requests to God with thanksgiving, promising that His peace will guard our hearts and minds.
Trust in God’s Timing
Letting go often requires patience. God’s answers don’t always come immediately, but His timing is always perfect. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.”
Act in Faith
Surrender doesn’t mean sitting idly by. Take steps that demonstrate your trust in God, whether that’s seeking wise counsel, making a difficult decision, or pursuing a goal without knowing the outcome.
Celebrate Small Victories
As you see glimpses of God’s provision, take time to thank Him. Gratitude reinforces your trust and reminds you of His faithfulness.
The Benefits of Giving It to God
When you let go and let God handle your burdens, the transformation in your life can be profound. Surrendering control to God not only changes your circumstances but also brings deep spiritual and emotional renewal.
Inner Peace
Releasing control alleviates the weight of worry and anxiety, creating space for God’s peace to fill your heart. This peace, as described in Philippians 4:7, “surpasses all understanding.” It doesn’t depend on your situation improving instantly; rather, it comes from trusting that God is in control, no matter what. As you surrender your fears and uncertainties, you’ll find yourself less consumed by “what-ifs” and more anchored in His presence.
Strengthened Faith
Each act of surrender is an opportunity to deepen your trust in God. When you see His faithfulness in handling the things you’ve released to Him, your confidence in His promises grows. Over time, this strengthens your relationship with God, helping you rely on Him more fully and consistently. Faith becomes less about what you can do and more about what God can do through you and for you.
God’s Power in Action
When you step back and let God take the lead, you open the door to seeing His power and provision in action. Surrender allows Him to work in ways you could never achieve on your own. Whether it’s unexpected solutions, miraculous outcomes, or the quiet reassurance of His presence, you’ll witness His grace in motion. Trusting Him makes room for His plans to unfold, often in ways that exceed your expectations or understanding.
By letting go and letting God handle your burdens, you don’t just gain relief from stress—you gain a deeper connection with the One who loves you and desires your best. Each step of surrender brings you closer to living in the fullness of His peace and purpose.
My Final Thoughts: Choosing Faith Over Fear
Letting go and letting God handle your burdens is a lifelong journey, but it’s one that leads to peace, strength, and joy. You don’t have to carry life’s weight alone. God invites you to trust Him, to release control, and to experience the freedom that comes from surrender.
Take a step today by praying:
“Heavenly Father, I come to You today with a heart weighed down by worries and burdens. You know every detail of my life, every struggle, and every fear I carry. Lord, I confess that I often try to hold onto control, believing I can handle things on my own. But today, I choose to surrender. I lay my burdens at Your feet, trusting that You are more than able to carry them for me.
Help me, Lord, to trust Your plan, even when I don’t understand what You’re doing. Remind me that Your ways are higher than mine and that You are always working for my good. Give me the courage to let go of my need for control and to rest in Your perfect timing and provision.
Father, I ask for Your peace to fill my heart and mind—the peace that surpasses all understanding. Teach me to release my anxiety to You through prayer and thanksgiving. Help me to replace my worries with faith and my fears with confidence in Your unfailing love.
Thank You for being a faithful God who sees me, hears me, and loves me unconditionally. I trust that You are guiding my steps, even when the path ahead feels uncertain. Strengthen my faith as I learn to rely on You more each day.
I surrender control, Lord, and I choose to walk in the peace that only You can give. Thank You for carrying my burdens and for being my refuge and strength.
In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.
When you let go and let God handle it, you’ll find that His hands are more than capable of holding everything you’ve been carrying.
Don’t forget to download your free copy of our Give it to God Bible study, Reflection and Action Challenge guide below which also contains a copy of the prayer!
We’d Love to Hear From You!
How has letting go and giving it to God made a difference in your life? Share your thoughts, experiences, or favorite Bible verses in the comments below—we’d love to connect and encourage one another!
For more faith-filled content, including Bible study insights, prayer inspiration, and practical tips for spiritual growth, visit our YouTube channel. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update! Let’s grow in faith together.
FAQs: Giving It to God
-
What does “give it to God” mean in everyday life?
Giving it to God means surrendering your worries, struggles, and desires to Him. In practical terms, it looks like praying about your concerns, trusting His plan, and choosing not to dwell on anxiety. For instance, instead of obsessing over a work issue, you pray for guidance, take responsible actions, and trust God with the results.
-
Can I give it to God and still feel anxious?
Yes, it’s possible. Surrendering to God is often a process, not a one-time event. It may take repeated prayers and reminders to yourself to release control. The key is persistence. Keep returning to God with your worries, trusting that His peace will grow in your heart over time.
-
How do I know if I’ve truly let go?
You may notice a sense of inner peace or clarity as a sign you’ve truly let go. However, it’s also normal to have moments of doubt. If you find yourself worrying again, don’t be discouraged. Simply pray and remind yourself that God is in control. Letting go is a journey, not a one-time decision.
-
What does the Bible say about surrendering control to God?
The Bible frequently encourages us to trust God and let go of our worries. Verses like Matthew 11:28-30 (“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”) and Proverbs 3:5-6 (“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding”) emphasize the importance of surrendering control and finding rest in God’s care.
-
What if I struggle to trust God?
Trusting God can be challenging, especially if you’ve faced disappointments in the past. Start small. Commit one area of your life to Him and watch how He works. Spend time in prayer and reading Scripture to remind yourself of His faithfulness. Trust grows as you experience His provision and care.
-
Are there practical ways to give it to God along with prayer?
Yes, besides prayer, journaling your thoughts and surrendering them to God can help. You might also share your burdens with a trusted mentor or pastor, engage in worship, or meditate on Scripture that reinforces God’s sovereignty. Sometimes, taking a tangible step of faith, like forgiving someone or letting go of a harmful habit, is a practical act of surrender.
-
Can I give it to God but still take action?
Absolutely. Giving it to God doesn’t mean inaction. It means trusting Him to guide your steps. For example, if you’re concerned about finances, you can pray for provision and still create a budget or look for job opportunities. Faith and action often go hand in hand.
For example, if someone is praying for healing, they should also seek medical care. God often works through doctors and other professionals to bring about the healing we need. Trusting Him doesn’t mean ignoring practical steps—it means recognizing that He can use others as part of His plan to meet our needs.
-
How do I explain the idea of surrendering to God to someone new to faith?
Use relatable examples, like trusting a friend to handle a task when you’re overwhelmed. Explain that surrendering to God is similar—it’s about trusting Him to handle life’s burdens because He is infinitely wiser and more capable than we are. Share personal experiences or Bible stories that demonstrate God’s faithfulness.
-
What should I do if I take back control after giving it to God?
It’s normal to feel tempted to take back control. When you notice this happening, stop and pray. Ask God for strength to trust Him again. Acknowledge your struggle, but don’t let it discourage you. Surrendering is a continual process of faith, not a one-time event.
-
How does surrendering to God bring peace?
When you surrender, you release the weight of trying to control outcomes that aren’t within your power. This allows God’s peace, which surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7), to fill your heart and mind. Surrender shifts your focus from your limitations to God’s limitless ability to work in your life.
Download Printable Study Guide with Prayer
NASB – “Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation“
Diane Ferreira is a Jewish believer, wife, and mom, as well as a proud bulldog mom. She is currently pursuing her graduate degree in Jewish Studies at seminary, deepening her passion for Scripture and Jewish history. Diane writes with a heart to connect the rich traditions of her Jewish heritage with her faith in Jesus, offering insights that inspire believers to grow in their walk with God. When she’s not studying or writing, Diane enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and crochet.