Learning to Let Go: When Control Controls You
In a culture that prizes independence, self-sufficiency, and control, it’s easy to feel like peace depends on keeping every detail in order. But God invites us into something far better—a life of surrender and trust in His perfect plan.
Many of the anxieties we struggle with come from trying to hold onto things we can’t change- a weight we were never meant to carry. Whether it is the past we wish had gone differently, the future we worry about, the potential outcomes of our efforts, other people’s choices, actions, or perceptions or even God’s timing in answering our prayers, the Bible reminds us clearly that these concerns belong to God, not us.
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21).
When we obsess over what we cannot control, it leads to frustration, burnout, and feelings of failure- that constant striving often shows up as anxiety, depression, or emotional exhaustion. God never asked us to carry these burdens.
Instead of chasing the impossible, Scripture invites us to focus on what is within our sphere of responsibility and to ask: What has God actually entrusted to me today? In the Christian faith, “control” is faithfulness to God and His Word He calls us to:
Walk by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7)
Believe His Word (Psalm 119:105)
Take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5)
Love others well (John 13:34–35)
Pray boldly (Hebrews 4:16)
Choose rest (Matthew 11:28–30)
Fix our minds on what is true (Philippians 4:8)
Act on truth, not emotion (James 1:22)
These daily acts of faith aren’t passive—they are active obedience that anchor us in Christ. God doesn’t call us to be idle; He calls us to be faithful with what He’s given.
When anxiety rises, we can pause and ask: Am I trying to hold something outside my control? We aren’t just redirecting thoughts; we’re submitting them to Christ. If so, I can lay it down at Jesus’ feet and return to what He’s actually asked of me. This is where control fades and true freedom begins. We aren’t just practicing positive thinking; we’re declaring God’s truth over our lives.
When we stop clinging to control and instead cling to Christ, our mental health begins to heal—not because circumstances change, but because we stop fighting battles we were never meant to fight.
Jesus Himself offers this gentle invitation to rest: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). This simple shift is more than a mental strategy—it’s an act of surrender. It’s trusting that our Father is wise, kind, and faithful to handle what we cannot. When we release control, we make room for God’s peace to rule in our hearts; Surrender is not weakness—it’s worship.
At Journey Counseling Ministries, we walk with those learning to let go of the burdens they were never meant to carry—discovering together that true peace is found not in control, but in Christ.
A Daily Practice of Surrender
Start your morning with surrender.
Pray: “Lord, I give You what is out of my control today. Show me where to walk by faith.”Write it down.
Keep a journal with two columns: In God’s Hands vs. My Responsibility. Move your worries into the right category.Take thoughts captive.
When anxiety arises, ask: Is this something I can act on, or something only God can handle? Then respond accordingly.Anchor yourself in Scripture.
Choose verses that remind you of God’s sovereignty and your call to trust Him.Rest as obedience.
View rest not as laziness, but as trusting God enough to stop striving.
Written by Ally Padilla, MA, LPC Clinical Director
