Releasing the Reigns of Control
Letting go will be one of the hardest things you ever do if you’re used to being in control. I know this not just in theory—but in reality. It’s what I’ve been walking through these past couple of weeks. It’s been one of the most challenging, stretching, and revealing seasons I’ve experienced in a while.
The Connection Between Humility and Faith
There’s a powerful verse I’ve been pondering lately: 1 Peter 5:6-7. It speaks of humility and faith: “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.”
Now that’s a connection. Humbling ourselves before God—acknowledging who He is, His power, His wisdom—is the foundation for being able to truly cast our cares on Him.
I must’ve heard that preached a dozen times over the years, but I was missing the order. I was trying to cast without humbling. I was trying to give it to God while still holding the reins.
The Illusion of Trust and the Reality of Control
I told myself I was trusting God. I even said the right prayers. But in reality, I wasn’t fully trusting, and I definitely wasn’t letting go. I was still carrying the weight—care upon care—trying to control outcomes. It didn’t matter how many Scriptures I quoted or how spiritual I sounded… I was still holding on. And that holding was rooted in pride and was actually keeping me stuck: A life that is resisted by God because of the pride we choose to hold onto looks like a stuck life.
• Stuck in frustration
• Stuck in cycles of anxiety
• Stuck in the illusion of control that left me feeling powerless
And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6
Hidden Pride
Here’s the turning point for me: I realized that not humbling myself and not truly casting my cares was a form of pride.
Pride isn’t always loud or boastful—it can be subtle and quiet. It says, “I got it, God. I’ll fix this. I’ll carry this.” But the Bible is clear—God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. He opposes those that don’t recognize their need for him. I wanted his intervention under my terms, but recently I became desperate for that grace. So I began to contend for what these verses really promise.
This Time I Let Go… for Real
The challenges came again—just like before—but this time, I made a different choice. I refused to carry them. I verbally released them to God. Time after time, I said, “God, here it is. I’m not taking it back. I can’t carry this. You are greater than I am.”
And something shifted. Every time I released it, I found myself worshipping. Why? Because I was reminded of who He is. His position in my life. His faithfulness. His strength.
It wasn’t just a moment—it became a rhythm:
• Humble myself before God
• Acknowledge who He is
• Cast every care on Him
The Practical Fruit of Letting Go
And what’s wild? Letting go in the right way won’t make you passive—it’ll make you more productive. There will be an ease in what you do. You’ll find yourself more creative. More open. More in tune with God’s wisdom.
Letting go isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of moving forward with God, not in your own strength, but in His.
Humbling yourself before God—recognizing who He is—is part of the surrender. You may have heard it said that God can do amazing things in the life of a person who is surrendered. But what does that really mean?
Literally, it’s throwing your hands up and saying, “I give it all up. I yield to You. You are greater than I, as the supreme ruler of the universe. I belong to You, and I am Your child. I surrender all to You today.”
That’s the point where miracles begin to happen… and the things you’ve worked so hard to make happen start unfolding with far less effort—because you’ve released the reins and let go, giving God free course to direct and fulfill His will and purpose in your life.
It’s also the place where God’s desires become your desires. It’s a beautiful place to finally arrive.