What does it mean to “let go and let G-d” or “give G-d control of your life”? I cannot grasp the concept of this but feel that it can make a great improvement in my life if I begin thinking this way.

Hi,
This idea does not mean that a person’s perspective should be to “let go” and not put in effort. Quite the contrary, a person’s perspective should be that they will put in their 100% and whatever happens to realize that they are ultimately not in control. If I put in my best and do not succeed, then G-d had other plans. The old joke is that “Man plans and G-d laughs.”

If I think, however, that I put in my best effort and G-d doesn’t love me because he said “no” then I have to rethink my philosophies. It is similar to a child who says that since my father gives me medicine that tastes bad he must hate me. That is obviously ridiculous, as it is also ridiculous with regards to our relationship with G-d. The opposite is also true. A person who says that they will not put in any effort because “G-d will provide” is also slipping into that same mentality. The ideal mentality to have is to put in our 100% and pray to G-d that He answers our prayers with the full knowledge that the answer might be “Yes” or “No.”

Be well,
Rabbi Litt