How to Let Go of Control and Trust God with the Outcome

My poor orchid, which has bloomed over and over again before, is now just sitting in her pot and hasn’t bloomed for weeks! In fact, now there is some mold on the leaves. I have learned that staring at a plant does not make it grow. Neither does moving it around the house every three days, watering it more often, or Googling, “Why won’t my plant bloom?” I can give a plant water, sunlight, and good soil, but eventually I have to accept an uncomfortable truth: I cannot make it grow. 

I wish I remembered that as easily when it comes to other areas of my life.

Why We Try to Control the Outcome

There are things we can nurture but cannot control. We can make plans, offer help, give advice, pray faithfully, and do everything within our responsibility. But eventually we reach the invisible line between what is ours to do and what only God can do.

Control feels like safety, security, and peace. So many times I’ve looked at the people and circumstances in my life and just wished I could influence the outcomes. First I try to think about every single way this situation might work out. Or I might list all of the ways I can step-up and manipulate the outcome. I think I do this to protect myself from disappointment and pain. 

Wanting to have good effects is not wrong or sinful! Life is filled with hardships, but if we can control some of it and avoid some headaches, why not try, right? Often we think this works because in some cases we do have some control over events. 

The Truth: We Can’t Control the Results

If I take an umbrella when it rains I probably won’t get wet. When I study for a test, I will most likely get a better grade. Being kind to others often means they will return the favor and be kind to me. Only. You can probably think of times when the wind blew the rain right into your face, despite having an umbrella. Or failing a test you spent all night studying for and certainly being kind doesn’t guarantee kindness will be returned. 

The truth is: We can’t control good results. 

That is why the Bible is filled with words like trust, put your faith in, and commit. In Psalm 37 David is giving us a path to follow in order to live a life with God. We can find three things in this chapter that will help us let go of control! 

Commit Your Way to the Lord

“Commit your way to the Lord…” Psalm 37:5

Commit means to surrender. But the Hebrew word also means to “roll over…” I imagine those heavy, invisible burdens we all carry (link to previous blog post on burdens). We take those cares and roll them off of our shoulders and back onto God’s! 

As we encounter people and situations, what if we asked ourselves: What would it look like to actually commit this situation to God?

A prayer to help commit your way to the Lord: 

Father, I bring You the things weighing heavily on my heart today. You know the situations I cannot fix, the people I cannot change, and the outcomes I cannot control. Help me roll these burdens from my shoulders onto Yours. Show me what is mine to do, and give me the courage to release what belongs to You. When I am tempted to pick these worries back up, remind me that Your hands are stronger than mine. I commit my plans, my questions, and the people I love to You. Help me walk faithfully today while trusting You with what comes next. Amen.

Trust Him

“Trust in him, and he will act.” Psalm 37:5

Trusting isn’t giving up or becoming passive. We continue to act faithfully while trusting God with what happens next. Trust is believing what we know to be true about God. What do we know to be true? God is kind, good, and faithful. God is in control and nothing happens outside His will. 

As we experience unwanted stresses, what if we asked ourselves: What do I know to be true about God right now? 

A prayer to help you trust God’s character: 

Father, when I cannot see what You are doing, help me trust who You are. You are good, kind, faithful, and wise. Nothing in my life surprises You, and nothing is beyond Your care. Keep me from allowing fear or circumstances to determine what I believe about You. Give me courage to do what You have placed in front of me today while leaving the outcome in Your hands. When doubts rise, bring Your character and promises back to my mind. I may not understand what happens next, but I know You will remain faithful. Help me rest in who You are today. Amen.

Be Still

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him…” Psalm 37:7 

God invites us to stop striving. We are responsible for faithfulness, but we are not responsible for controlling the ending. We can stop trying to manage what is never ours to manage. We can pray, surrender, and trust but ultimately there will be a time to stop working. God often does His best work behind the scenes and we can trust this truth! 

As we try to control the outcome, what if we spoke to ourselves: God is with me. God is with _______. I am not outside His love or care. I can rest in this truth. 

A prayer to help you be still before God: 

Father, quiet my heart when I am tempted to keep striving, fixing, and managing what belongs to You. Remind me that I can stop working without believing You have stopped working. You are present with me and with the people and situations I cannot control. Help me recognize what is mine to do faithfully and when it is time to be still. Give me patience when I cannot see what You are doing behind the scenes. Keep my heart from running ahead of You. I choose to rest in Your presence today, trusting that Your loving care continues even when I cannot see it. Amen.

Weekly Practice

Identify one outcome you’re trying to control. Pray Psalm 37:5 over it every morning this week.

This post is part of the Fall 2026 Blog Series

Every Day with God: Meeting with Jesus in Every Season of Life

Abiding isn’t just a summer lesson—it’s a lifelong way of walking with Jesus. Whether life is joyful or difficult, busy or quiet, we can meet with God every single day through His Word.

“One thing have I asked of the Lord…that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.” — Psalm 27:4

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