Letting go can be one of the hardest things we’re asked to do—letting go of pain, disappointment, relationships, or even past mistakes. But sometimes, God calls us to release what’s behind so we can move forward into what He has ahead.
The Bible speaks clearly about the importance of not staying stuck in the past but pressing on in faith.
In this post, we’ll explore 15 Bible verses about letting go and moving on, offering peace, encouragement, and direction for anyone who needs to move forward with courage and trust in God.
Also Read: 15+ Bible Verses About Bitterness: Meaning
Key Takeaways Before We Begin
- God invites us to let go of the past and walk into new beginnings.
- Holding onto old pain or guilt can block the growth He wants to bring.
- These verses remind us that freedom, healing, and purpose are ahead.
- Moving on doesn’t mean forgetting—it means trusting God with what’s next.
15 Bible Verses About Letting Go and Moving On
1. Philippians 3:13-14
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Explanation:
Paul encourages us to forget what’s behind and focus on the future. Letting go is part of growing in Christ and living out our calling.
2. Isaiah 43:18-19
Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.
Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?
Explanation:
God promises something new, but we have to stop dwelling on the past. Moving forward makes room for His fresh work in our lives.
3. 2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Explanation:
In Christ, we’re not defined by our past. We are made new, and that newness includes freedom from what once held us back.
4. Matthew 11:28
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Explanation:
Jesus invites us to lay down the burdens of the past. When we let go, He gives us rest and peace in exchange.
5. Ecclesiastes 3:1
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
Explanation:
This verse reminds us that life changes. Some seasons must end so that new ones can begin. Knowing this helps us release what’s no longer meant for us.
6. Ephesians 4:31-32
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you…
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Explanation:
Letting go often involves forgiving and releasing resentment. It’s not just about moving on—it’s about healing your heart.
7. Hebrews 12:1
Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Explanation:
To run your race, you have to drop the baggage. Letting go of sin, guilt, or pain allows you to move forward in faith.
8. Proverbs 4:25-26
Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.
Explanation:
Stay focused on what’s ahead, not what’s behind. God wants to guide your steps forward, not backward.
9. Genesis 19:26
But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.
Explanation:
Lot’s wife serves as a warning—looking back can paralyze us. When God calls us forward, we’re meant to obey and not hold on to the past.
10. Psalm 55:22
Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
Explanation:
God invites you to release your pain and trust Him to carry it. When you let go, He becomes your strength.
11. Lamentations 3:22-23
It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Explanation:
Each day is a fresh start. God’s mercy gives us permission to move on without shame or fear.
12. Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Explanation:
Let go of guilt. If you’re in Christ, you are forgiven and free. Don’t let the past hold you in chains.
13. Psalm 37:23-24
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.
Explanation:
Even if you’ve stumbled, God still has a path for you. Let go of shame and trust Him to lead you forward.
14. 1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Explanation:
You don’t have to carry yesterday’s worries. God invites you to give them to Him—He truly cares for your future.
15. Revelation 21:5
And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
Explanation:
God’s final promise is restoration and renewal. If He can make all things new, He can certainly renew your heart, your future, and your story.
Final Thoughts: Let Go So You Can Grow
These Bible verses about letting go and moving on remind us that God is always calling us forward. Letting go doesn’t mean forgetting the past—it means trusting God more than our memories, our mistakes, or our fears. Freedom and growth begin with release.
So if you’re holding on to pain, guilt, or something that’s holding you back—God is inviting you to let go and walk with Him into what’s next.
What’s God Asking You to Release?
Have you experienced peace after letting go of something painful? Which verse helped you the most?
Share your story or favorite verse in the comments. Let’s walk together in faith toward what God has ahead.