Letting Go
by Annie Yorty
Have you ever noticed the more we try to control, the more life spirals out of control? Letting go seems counterintuitive—unless we hand over the reins to One who designed the universe and holds all things together.
Hanging On
Recently I read an observation about horses in the book of James that reminded me of a story my friend told me.
We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. (James 3:3 NLT)
Lisa, an experienced rider, went for a trail ride one day and learned sometimes a horse with a bit is not so easily controlled.
“A few minutes into the ride, a garter snake slithered across the path, and Ginger reared up in fright.”
“What happened?” I asked.
“She bucked me off and I landed hard. Then she took off running.” Lisa shook her head at the memory. “For some reason, I held onto the reins for at least twenty seconds before I realized I should let go.” My friend unconsciously rubbed her arms as if she could still feel the burn of the dirt and gravel road.
The Desire to Control
Our innate, human desire to control comes down through generations from the first people God created (Genesis 3). Adam and Eve desired to call the shots in their own lives rather than resting in dependence on the One who created and sustains the universe. We’re no different today.
Lisa’s immediate instinct to hang onto the reins of her horse reminds me of my default tendency when life bucks like a bronco. Driven by fear, worry, or pride, I tend to tighten my grip rather than letting go of the reins and giving control to God.
If I’m being honest with myself, in those moments, I suspect deep down I can manage life’s circumstances better than God.
Letting Go
If you, like me, have an instinct to hang onto control of your life, we need to develop a habit of letting go of the reins. But how? The psalmist connected the concept of letting go to knowing God.
Cease striving and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10 NASB)
When we cultivate a higher view of God, we more naturally choose to completely trust and depend on Him.
Farmers cultivate soil for future growth by plowing and breaking up hard dirt so seeds can take root and grow. They may also remove weeds that hinder growth or add nutrients to enhance the harvest to come.
In the same way, we can study and apply God’s Word to root out faulty thinking, soften our hearts, and sow truth in our minds.
4 Bible Verses for Letting Go
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9 NLT)
We cannot trust our own intuition, common sense, or instinct because they are flawed by sin. God’s reasoning and wisdom are perfect and reliable.
Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything . . . He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. (Colossians 1:15-17 NLT)
The Son of God is the Creator and Sustainer of the earth and everything in it. He is more than capable of controlling our lives.
O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. (Psalm 139:1-3 NLT)
As our Master Designer, God knows more about us than we understand about ourselves. He never takes His eye off us.
The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him. (Nahum 1:7 NLT)
Because God is consistently good, we can let go of the reins of our lives. He is kind and full of mercy, even when we mess up. Knowing He always advocates for our good, we can relinquish control to Him.
Letting go seems counterintuitive—unless we hand over the reins to One who designed the universe and holds all things together. #annieyorty #lettinggo #trustgod Share on XConsent to Letting Go
When I insist on seizing control, God won’t pry the reins out of my hands. If I refuse to surrender to Him, He allows me to choose to be dragged through the muck of life. But His mercy never stops calling me to turn control over to Him.
Have you surrendered to God?
The first step is to trust Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Read more at Steps to Peace with God.
If you have received Jesus as your Savior, are you still striving for control over some part of your life?
Consider situations in which you feel a high level of anxiety or worry. Fear often leads us to snatch the reins from God. Impatience also tempts us to take over when we determine God is slow about keeping His promises. Pride in our knowledge or experience is another red flag. An inflated ego convinces us we don’t need to depend on God.
After being dragged by her horse for a time, Lisa finally stopped striving for control and released the reins. In Philippians, the Apostle Paul gives us the spiritual equivalent of letting go of the reins of life.
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT)
Friends, peace belongs to us anytime we depend on God instead of ourselves. Cease striving—let go. Rest in God’s control today.
Join the conversation:
Which truth about God will you remember when you find yourself vying for control?
I welcome your comments.
Copyright ©2025 Annie Yorty
Hope for the Hopeless
11 Comments
Maggie Wallem Rowe
Thank you for this excellent devotional, Annie. I know you’ve had to practice this principle much of your life, as we have as well. It’s been particularly challenging during our many decades in pastoral ministry. Thankfully, a bit more wisdom has come as I age, and I have realized how much that I thought I could manage was never in my control anyway.
Annie Yorty
Maggie, I find I need to practice dependence on God every day. It’s a vital discipline. And, like you, I think I’m getting better at it day by day. Thanks for visiting!
Barbara Latta
Wonderful illustration, Annie. If we can visualize holding on to the reins of a horse dragging us, maybe that can help us let go when holding on to our own desire to live our own destructive way.
Annie Yorty
True, Barbara. If we could feel the pain as immediately and acutely as being dragged in the dirt, we would be quicker to release our desire to “have it our way.” Thanks for your visit!
Barb Fox
I can relate! I have hung onto those reins even when I obviously could not control the circumstances. And that caused me unnecessary pain. Sooner or later, though, it seems like we Christians eventually figure it out and release control back to God. That’s a beautiful thing!
Annie Yorty
I have learned the hard way many times as well, Barb. But I, too, am learning how restful life can be (even in chaotic circumstances) when we turn it all over to God. Blessings to you!
Steve and Toby Hopper
Thank you for your article Ann. God has done tremendous work in your life. Thank you for sharing your heart with us so that we can grow in these areas.
Annie Yorty
Bless you, Toby. I thank God for the example you have been to me over the years.
Katherine M Pasour
Your message went straight to my control mechanism, Annie. I definitely have this issue (and have been dumped by a horse more than once). I’m grateful our loving Father has been working on me and continues to shape and mold me on my journey of submission. Thank you, Annie, enjoyed your post.
Annie Yorty
Ah, yes, you know exactly how it goes with horses. I thank God for changing us so we can learn to fully depend on Him. God bless you!
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