Unhappiness and discontent are often products of unmet expectations and plans and the inability to adapt to change. The saying “let go and let God” is a succinct summary of putting faith into action and trusting God’s will.
We have ideas. We set goals. We make plans. There is nothing inherently wrong with this. But things don’t always go as planned, do they? Situations, circumstances, and all kinds of things change.
However, the problem comes when we don’t like the changes that come our way. We still want what we want when we want it. We don’t want to let go of our goals and plans. We still think our first ideas and plans were right, regardless of whatever changes have come along. We refuse to adapt. That’s the problem.
We forget this teaching from the Bible:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
– Proverbs 3:5-6
We forget that God knows what’s around the corner and we don’t.
“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
–1 Peter 5:7
The Bible has some good news for you. You’re not on your own. There is a God that loves you, cares for you, and watches over you. Essentially, God is saying, “Trust in me and let me worry for you. I’ve got your back.”
In fact, the Bible says you don’t need to worry about what you need, because God already knows. He’s on top of it. Jesus said:
“And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
– Matthew 6:7-8
That last sentence in the above verse is important. We may know what we want – but God knows what we need. What we want and what we need aren’t always the same thing. Sometimes, what we want is exactly what we don’t need. That’s why it’s always best to trust God’s understanding, not ours.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
–Jeremiah 29:11
Unhappiness and discontent are often the results of our own fear and worry that our expectations won’t or haven’t been met. We have to let go of all that.
The solution is putting complete trust in God. The remedy for ridding ourselves of fear, worry, and unhappiness is faith in the Lord.
