“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Bible Verses About Leaving
Leaving for a Purpose
As we look at the topic of leaving, it’s essential to recognize that not all departures are in vain or happen without reason. When we leave, it can often be for a divine purpose. In the Bible, we see individuals like Abraham, who left his homeland to follow God’s call, showcasing a profound trust in God’s direction. We, too, may feel led by the Spirit to leave behind certain areas in our lives—whether that be relationships, jobs, or even old habits. As we leave, we can rest assured that there’s a greater plan at work, even when our current situation feels comfortable. Every pursuit of God calls us out from the familiar into the unknown, which ultimately shapes our character and faith. It is through these transitions that God leads us to our true purpose.
Genesis 12:1
“The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.'” – Genesis 12:1
Matthew 10:14
“If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.” – Matthew 10:14
Luke 9:62
“Jesus replied, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.'” – Luke 9:62
2 Corinthians 6:17
“Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” – 2 Corinthians 6:17
Acts 18:6
“But when they opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, ‘Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.'” – Acts 18:6
Leaving the Past Behind
Letting go of our past can be one of the most liberating but challenging actions we can take. Scripture teaches us that we do not have to be bound by our history. When we leave the past behind, we can embrace the new life God has for us. Each of us has faced days of regret, sorrow, or mistakes, but the promise of Christ is that through His love and grace, we can move forward. This process of leaving the past isn’t an easy one, but it allows us to step into a fresh start, filled with hope. We are not defined by our previous errors but rather by the transformative power of God’s forgiveness.
Philippians 3:13-14
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:13-14
Isaiah 43:18-19
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” – Isaiah 43:18-19
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2
Hebrews 12:1
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, 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
Leaving for God’s Will
As we delve deeper into leaving, we also recognize the significance of aligning our departures with God’s will. Every choice we make can either bring us closer or push us away from what God has intended for our lives. When we choose to follow God’s will in leaving places, relationships, or paths that don’t serve our spiritual journey, we trust that God has something greater in store for us. Learning to submit to His will helps us walk in obedience and allows His plans to unfold beautifully. As we step out in faith, we can trust that He has equipped us for the journey ahead, making even the most challenging paths manageable.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
1 John 2:17
“The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” – 1 John 2:17
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – James 4:7
John 15:16
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” – John 15:16
Leaving and Moving Forward
Leaving can involve physical, emotional, and spiritual movement in our lives. Regardless of the specific type of departure, what matters is that we are committed to moving forward in God’s purpose. We all have moments where we need to leave behind something that has held us back or hindered our growth. The beauty of this process is that as we move forward, we find new opportunities for growth, relationships, and purpose that God has provided. The act of leaving—is an open door leading to the next chapter of our lives, poised with potential and promise. Embracing this motion helps us walk confidently into our future.
Proverbs 4:25-27
“Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.” – Proverbs 4:25-27
Jeremiah 29:13
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:13
Philippians 1:6
“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
Matthew 28:19-20
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20
Leaving Toxic Relationships
One of the most difficult yet crucial aspects of our journey can involve stepping away from toxic relationships. These connections can hold us back from our potential and could hinder our spiritual growth. God wants us to flourish, and sometimes that means leaving behind harmful interactions. Through scripture, we are advised to carefully consider who we let into our lives; it emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with those who uplift us. It’s not always painless to leave, but by prioritizing our well-being and spiritual health, we align ourselves with the love and grace God extends.
Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” – Proverbs 13:20
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'” – 1 Corinthians 15:33
2 Timothy 2:22
“Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” – 2 Timothy 2:22
Ephesians 5:11
“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” – Ephesians 5:11
Psalm 1:1-2
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.” – Psalm 1:1-2
Leaving with Faith
As we discuss leaving, we must also embrace the concept of leaving in faith. Faith is the bedrock on which we stand when making tough choices about leaving behind aspects of our lives. Whether it’s a job that doesn’t align with our values, a friendship not bringing us joy, or a routine that hinders us from deeper connections with God, having faith helps us let go. We rely on the assurance that God is with us and directs our paths as we step away from the familiar. Leaning into this promised presence provides us with strength, courage, and hope as we continue to trust God for our futures.
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1
Mark 11:24
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” – Mark 11:24
Psalms 37:5
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this.” – Psalms 37:5
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27
Final Thoughts
Leaving can be a challenging and sometimes painful process, but it is often necessary for our growth. We have explored various aspects of leaving—whether it’s moving with purpose, letting go of the past, following God’s will, stepping away from toxic relationships, or leaving with faith. Each of these aspects teaches us that God has a greater purpose in mind when we step away from what is familiar.
Every time we leave something behind, we make space for new blessings, relationships, and opportunities. Trusting God’s plans allows us to embark on new paths where He can guide us. As we consider leaving in our own lives, let’s hold onto the promise that God is with us, equipping us for what lies ahead.
For those of us wishing to explore more, we can read about the wisdom in Jeremiah 3:16 and reflect on the importance of letting go as expressed in Jeremiah 6:26. The journey of faith often requires us to leave something behind, but God has a rich future prepared for us.