In a world where busyness is often equated with success, and the pursuit of more seems to be a never-ending goal, it’s easy to get caught up in accumulating things—whether they’re material possessions, friendships, commitments or even unhealthy thought patterns.
But have you ever paused and considered the possibility that the act of removing things might actually be the key to a more peaceful and fulfilling life? Not just removing the obvious clutter, but intentionally letting go of things that no longer serve you, that drain your energy, or that distance you from God’s calling in your life?
When we made our big move across the country our first step to putting things in motion was a major purge. Although it was tough to decide if we truly wanted to keep or let go of some things the end result of this task felt freeing. Although it didn’t seem like we had much for material goods the extra stuff we accumulated was weighing on us and even though it wasn’t always easy to purge, life felt lighter having less to contend with. Emptier kitchen cabinets made cooking easier, less clothes made the closets and laundry feel more manageable, less household clutter gave me less mental clutter.
Letting go of stuff was the catalyst for letting go of other things in life and continues to be at the front of my mind.
This concept of “letting go” is not just about decluttering our physical spaces—it is a practice of spiritual alignment. The Bible often mentions removing things that hinder our growth, both in terms of material possessions and emotional or spiritual weights. In Hebrews 12:1, we are urged to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily besets us,” making room for a life that is more focused, freer, and more in tune with God’s purpose.
🍃So Why is Letting Go So Important :
- To Make Room for God’s Purpose: God has a plan for each of us—a calling that is often clouded by the noise and distractions of our daily lives. By removing things that pull us away from Him, we create space to hear His voice more clearly and pursue His will with intention!
- To Find Peace and Freedom: Carrying around unnecessary baggage—whether emotional, mental, or physical—can weigh us down, affecting our peace and well-being. In Philippians 4:6-7, we’re told that by surrendering our worries to God, His peace will guard our hearts and minds. By letting go of things that cause stress or anxiety, we open ourselves to that peace.
- To Grow Spiritually: Sometimes we hang on to relationships, habits, thoughts, or things that stunt our spiritual growth. Whether it’s a bad relationship, a lifestyle that doesn’t honor God, or even just the clutter of our home, it can be difficult to focus on God’s will when we’re constantly distracted. Letting go of these things frees up emotional and spiritual energy to grow closer to God.
🍃Now that we see why letting go is an important part of life, How do we Let Go in a God-Honoring Way:
- Pray for Guidance: The first step in removing things from your life is to ask God for wisdom and discernment. Prayer opens your heart to God’s will and helps you identify what needs to go. Sometimes, it’s not immediately obvious what is hindering your walk with God. So, begin with prayer: “Lord, help me to see what in my life I need to let go of in order to follow You more closely.”
- Let Go of Materialism: It’s easy to accumulate things that we think we need, but if they’re taking up space (both physically and mentally) and causing us to focus on possessions rather than people or God, it might be time to declutter. In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus reminds us not to store up treasures on earth but to focus on heavenly treasures. Simplifying your life and possessions can refocus your heart on what truly matters.
- Let Go of Toxic Relationships: Relationships are a gift from God, but not all relationships are healthy. In 1 Corinthians 15:33, Paul warns, “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’” If you’re surrounded by people who pull you away from God’s truth or encourage unhealthy behavior, it may be necessary to set boundaries, unfollow them on social media or walk away. Letting go of toxic relationships can free you up to invest in those that build you up in faith.
- Let Go of Negative Thought Patterns: Our minds are powerful, and the thoughts we entertain can either draw us closer to God or take us further away. In 2 Corinthians 10:5, we are called to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” This includes letting go of self-doubt, worry, and fear. Replace negative thoughts with truth from God’s Word, and meditate on what is pure, lovely, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).
- Let Go of Control: We like to be in control of our circumstances, but surrendering that control to God is key to finding peace. In Proverbs 3:5-6, we’re told to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding. Letting go of the need to control every aspect of our lives opens the door to God’s guidance and provision.
- Serve Others: Sometimes, letting go isn’t just about removing things from your own life, but it’s about giving to others. Acts of generosity can free us from the selfishness that often ties us to the material world. By serving others, whether through time, resources, or emotional support, we align our hearts with God’s love for people.
🍃I get it, letting go or removing things from our lives is not always easy. It requires us to face uncomfortable truths about ourselves and our lives. But it’s also deeply freeing. As we remove things that weigh us down, we make room for the peace, joy, and purpose that come from living in alignment with God’s will. It’s about creating a life that is centered on Him—one that reflects His goodness, love, and grace.
🍃Remember, this process is a journey, not a one-time event. Continually seek God’s guidance, and trust that He will lead you to the things in your life that need to go. As you remove the distractions, you’ll find that the path to peace and purpose becomes clearer and more abundant than you could have imagined.