Some Things Are Meant for a Season—Not Forever: Learning to Let Go for a Healthier Life
Knowing When to Let Go
We spend a lot of time talking about what we should add to our lives—new habits, better routines, deeper spiritual disciplines. But what if one of the healthiest things we can do is let go of what no longer belongs?
Not long ago, Rachel and I decided to cancel some subscriptions, including Netflix. It wasn’t a big deal—we hadn’t been watching much on it. But even though we weren’t using it, we still found ourselves scrolling through the options looking for something we never actually found.
That’s when it hit me.
We weren’t just wasting money—we were wasting time.
Netflix had served its purpose in another season, but now it was just another thing taking up space.
📖 "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." — Ecclesiastes 3:1
We often think of seasons in terms of what we gain—new opportunities, fresh starts, open doors. But sometimes, God calls us to release things that were never meant to go with us into the next season.
If we don’t learn to recognize when something has served its purpose, we risk holding onto what’s comfortable instead of stepping into what’s next.
When Something Outlives Its Purpose
Earlier this year, we had freezing rain and snow roll through. The roads were slick, but they did a great job of treating them with salt brine.
That brine was essential—it kept roads from freezing over and made it safer to drive. But if left on a vehicle too long, it starts to cause rust and decay.
What was once useful now had the potential to do damage.
It made me wonder—how many things in our lives were once necessary but are now holding us back?
Maybe it’s a commitment that once brought purpose but now feels like an obligation.
Maybe it’s a relationship that once encouraged you but now drains your spirit.
Maybe it’s a habit that started as something good but has slowly become a distraction.
Some things aren’t just out of season—they’re actively slowing you down.
📖 "Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." — Hebrews 12:1
The problem isn’t always sin—sometimes, it’s clutter.
Not everything that weighs you down is wrong—but if it’s keeping you from moving forward, it’s time to let go.
Holding On vs. Letting Go
Letting go is hard, especially when something was good for a season. Sometimes, we hesitate because we don’t feel ready, even when we know deep down that God is calling us forward. (Learning to trust God beyond feelings is key—read more in Faith Over Feelings: How to Trust God When You Don’t Feel It.)
I think about the Israelites wandering in the wilderness. They spent 40 years relying on manna from heaven for food. But the moment they entered the Promised Land, something changed.
📖 “The manna stopped the day after they ate this food from the land; there was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate the produce of Canaan.” — Joshua 5:12
God had provided exactly what they needed in the wilderness. But that season was over. They weren’t supposed to keep looking for manna—they were supposed to step into the new provision God had for them.
If they had clung to the old, they would have missed the blessing of what was ahead.
How to Know When It’s Time to Let Go
1️⃣ Ask God to reveal what no longer belongs.
What in your life feels more like an obligation than an opportunity?
Is there something you’re holding onto just because it’s familiar?
2️⃣ Look for signs of unnecessary weight.
Does this bring peace or drain your energy?
Are you spending time, money, or focus on something that’s no longer serving you?
3️⃣ Take a step of faith.
Letting go isn’t always easy, but pruning is part of God’s process.
If He’s leading you to release something, it’s because He’s preparing you for something greater.
You don’t have to do it all at once—even small steps of faith can create big change. (Read more in The Power of Small Acts: How Little Steps of Faith Can Change Everything.)
What’s One Thing You Need to Release?
Maybe it’s a commitment, a relationship, a habit, or even just an old mindset.
Ask yourself: Is this still producing life?
Some things were meant for a season, not forever.
If you sense God calling you to let something go, trust that He’s making room for something better.
Prayer
Lord, help me to recognize what no longer belongs in my life. Show me what I need to release so I can focus on what truly matters. I don’t want to carry things into this season that You only meant for the last one. Give me the wisdom to know when something has served its purpose and the courage to let it go. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
