Freedom Through Surrender: Letting Go and Trusting God

Have you ever struggled with the need or desire to control your reality?

If you’ve never faced that struggle, then this article is definitely not for you. But if you’re like the rest of us, I’ve got a story for you.

I recently read a fascinating article about monkey poachers in Africa. These poachers had a clever strategy: they tied sacks of food to trees with a hole just large enough for a monkey’s hand to fit through. Naturally, these poor little monkeys would come along, reach in, and grab some food—only to find themselves trapped. Their clenched fists, now larger than the hole, prevented them from pulling away.

The very thing they thought would provide sustenance had ensnared them. If only they had let go, they would have been free.

This example perfectly embodies our struggle with control. Our need to control often stems from a lack of trust in God. We are like those monkeys, clutching onto outcomes we believe will fulfill us—only to find ourselves held captive by our own desires.

Our desire for control is deeply rooted in fear. And fear, in turn, is rooted in self-reliance. When we rely solely on ourselves, we’re up against the whole world—and that’s a frightening prospect.

But if we can learn to see ourselves as Jesus described—branches on the vine—we can begin to relax into trust. We can expand our faith in God and find rest in Him.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” — John 15:5

When we need guidance, we can ask for wisdom and then find peace in knowing that God has promised to give wisdom to those who ask. But we must ask with faith, without doubting.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.” — James 1:5-6

The Illusion of Control

Letting go can feel daunting. It can seem like a recipe for chaos, leaving us to pick up the pieces. But as long as we think that way, we won’t be able to relinquish control. In reality, our need to control ends up controlling us.

It becomes a never-ending cycle. We’re like a hamster on a wheel—running and running, but getting nowhere. Always trying to stay one step ahead of something that is completely out of reach.

Overcoming our deep-seated fear of the unknown is a challenge. But part of overcoming it is reminding ourselves again and again:

He is with us. He is for us.

We must return, in our minds, to a place of connection with Him—to being a branch on the vine. Because God doesn’t want us to live under the burden of striving, forcing, and pushing. He wants us to embrace and live out the words of Jesus:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” — Matthew 11:28-30

In doing so, we can experience true peace.

So take a deep breath and say:

*”I’m ready to release my need to control anything or anyone to God. I trust God to guide me and others. And while I’m waiting to know what to do next, I’m going to relax into trust.

I will focus on the rhythm of my breathing, my heartbeat, and listen for God’s gentle whisper. I am willing to be present in this moment and thank God for all the wonderful blessings in my life that are here right now. I also thank Him for guarding my heart and my mind with His peace.”*

Indeed, it is for freedom that Christ has set us free.

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” — Galatians 5:1

So today, choose to trust and rest in that freedom and peace.

It’s always a choice.

And the next time you find your hand stuck in the metaphorical sack, remember: it’s not the world holding you captive—it’s your own clenched fist.

The key to your freedom is to simply let go and trust God.

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