Living with Open Hands: Trusting God in Seasons of Uncertainty

So often in life, we cling to what we know and love.

It might be a favorite sweatshirt, a comforting meal, a well-worn blanket, or even the familiar route to the grocery store. Familiarity gives us a sense of control, stability, and peace.

But what happens when those familiar comforts are no longer available? When routines change, homes shift, or plans crumble—what do we hold onto then?

Recently, our family entered a season where many of the things we loved and depended on were suddenly stripped away. My husband was no longer at his workplace, and we faced the difficult reality of needing to sell our home. With no clear direction ahead, we made the decision to live out of suitcases until God revealed what was next.

In that uncertainty, the Lord invited us into something deeper—a life of open hands.

The Lesson of Open Hands

One evening, as we sat with our children to talk about the changes ahead, we invited them into a simple exercise. We asked them to make a tight fist, symbolizing how we hold onto the things that make us feel secure. Then, we asked them to open their hands wide.

“This,” we told them, “is the posture we want to offer to God.”

Open hands.
Open to letting go of our plans, our possessions, our comforts.
Open to receiving whatever God desires to give.

It was a moment that embodied what our hearts were slowly learning—that real peace is found not in control, but in surrender.

The Biblical Posture of Open Hands

Though Scripture never directly commands us to “live with open hands,” the imagery of open hands is woven throughout the Bible as a symbol of surrender, humility, generosity, and trust.

In Psalm 143:6, David prays, “I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land.” This verse paints a picture of complete dependence. Like dry ground waiting for rain, our souls long for the presence of God to fill the empty spaces that control can never satisfy.

In Psalm 145:16, we read, “You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.” God’s open hand represents His abundant generosity and faithful provision. When we mirror that posture—when our hands are open instead of closed—we demonstrate our willingness to trust and receive from Him.

Throughout Scripture, this theme of surrender echoes. From Abraham lifting his knife in faith on Mount Moriah (Genesis 22), to Mary saying, “Be it unto me according to your word” (Luke 1:38), the faithful have always lived with open hands—ready to release, ready to receive, ready to trust.

Choosing Surrender Over Control

We are currently walking through one of the most unpredictable seasons of our lives—a season we would never have chosen. Yet, even in uncertainty, we are learning that peace is not found in knowing what comes next, but in knowing Who holds our next.

Each day, as a family, we practice this physical and spiritual posture of open hands. It’s our way of saying:

“Lord, I release what’s mine and receive what’s Yours.”

It’s a quiet act of worship that reminds us that nothing we have is truly ours—it’s all His. The home, the job, the plans, the comfort—all of it.

When our hands are open, God can fill them. When they’re clenched, we risk missing the blessings He intends to give.

Living in the Freedom of Open Hands

To live with open hands is to live in freedom. It’s the freedom of knowing that God’s plans are better than our own (Jeremiah 29:11), His ways are higher (Isaiah 55:9), and His provision never fails (Philippians 4:19).

It’s not a posture of loss—it’s a posture of trust. Because when we surrender what we hold too tightly, we make room for God’s perfect will to unfold.

A Prayer for Open Hands

Lord, help me to live with open hands. Teach me to release what I hold too tightly and to trust You with every part of my life. Even in uncertainty, may my posture be one of surrender, worship, and trust. Amen.