5 Prayers For When You Need Help Letting Go

“I do it myself!”

“Nooo, I got it!”

We Mommas often hear from our toddlers, who clearly do not “have it” as they struggle with their desire for control and independence in bodies that are not yet big enough or coordinated enough for the task at hand.

They continue to struggle until finally, they give up or give in and accept help. I often wonder if this is how God sees us when we try to take situations into our own hands.

We so badly crave control and autonomy over our circumstances, so when something happens that is out of our hands, it feels scary, and fully surrendering can be difficult. We like predictable outcomes and being able to plan for whatever lies ahead.

So, as Christians, what can we do when we are struggling to let go of things that are beyond our control?

Praying Till You Believe It

As with many situations in our lives, one of the most useful tools we have is prayer.

We have direct access to the Creator of the Universe, who is in control of all things. Why wouldn’t we use that outlet as often as possible? Yet, sometimes, we tend to try everything in our own power first and turn to prayer as a last resort.

When you are struggling to let go in a situation that feels impossible, here are 5 simple prayers to repeat and Scriptures to reflect on:

“I Don’t Know, But You Do.”

Nothing on this earth surprises God or is beyond his control. So often, when we can’t see what’s happening, it doesn’t feel very comforting. But we can cling to God, who sees the whole picture and is working all things together.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV)

“Help Me to Be Faithful in the Waiting”

Sometimes our circumstances leave us feeling so helpless that our only option is surrender. Yet, that doesn’t mean it’s easy. As we wait for answers, we need to be actively seeking the Lord, spending time with him even if we don’t feel like it, and praising him through the uncertainty.

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23, NIV)

“You Are Always Faithful. Remind Me of the Things You Have Done.”

Some of the greatest evidence we have of God’s faithfulness is our testimony and the testimonies of others. God provides for us.

Look back at your own life at all of the difficult situations you have been in, and how God provided a way through them. Look at the Bible and the way he continually cared for and provided for his people.

Whatever it is you are going through, God will make a way.

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31, NIV)

“You Are Still Good, Even When I Can’t Feel It.”

This one is tricky, but it’s also extremely important. God is good, and that never changes, even in the most excruciating of circumstances.

Can we always see or feel his goodness in our lives? No. Sometimes, all we see is darkness and despair. Sometimes, we doubt how God could bring any good out of the horrible situation at hand.

Repeat this prayer to yourself, even and especially when you struggle to believe it. “You are still good.”

“‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’

declares the Lord.’ As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.'” (Isaiah 55:8-9, NIV)

“Remind Me This World is Not My Home and Help Me Keep My Eyes on Eternity.”

The state of this fallen world makes it challenging for any of us to live in. We see evil prevail and witness pain and suffering all around us. It can be overwhelming and heartbreaking- especially knowing we can’t fix it.

We must remember that this world is temporary. We weren’t meant to live here forever. Yes, there are awful things rampant all around us, but our hope is not found anywhere in this world; it lies in eternity.

I’m not sure about you, but I need God to remind me of this on a regular basis.

“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, NIV)

Letting Go of Control and Holding on to Jesus

Just like stubborn, yet ambitious, toddlers, we need to learn that we can’t make it through life on our own. There are things beyond our control that we need to accept help with, even when everything in us wants to do it ourselves or turn to God and say, “No, I got this!”

When our circumstances feel scary, and the unknown overwhelms us, the best thing we can do is surrender, clinging to Jesus, who holds us, as well as the entire Universe, in his hands.