Scripture for Today: Luke 12:25 “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?”

Flat feet are no fun.  Not only do they cause feet to quickly tire, but they are also painful and can cause swelling on the inside bottom of the foot.  Flat feet can also cause back and leg pain.  To be “caught flat footed,” is an expression having little to do with the problem.  This saying, meaning “taken by surprise,” or “unprepared,” originated from baseball slang in 1912.  The idea was to be “on your toes,” and ready for anything.

My husband often expresses that he does not want to be caught flat footed.  I am blessed to be married to someone who thinks through possible consequences and plans for contingencies.  But life is full of surprises.  Today’s verse takes preparedness for the future to a different level.  How easy it is to slip into worry!  One cannot foresee and be ready for absolutely everything that may happen.  No matter how thorough, one can suddenly feel flat footed at an unexpected development.

I am glad the Lord does not have this problem.  He is never unprepared, knowing all from the beginning to the end.  Nothing surprises Him.  There is tremendous comfort in knowing He knows.  Worrying about what may happen drains me and adds nothing positive.  There is value in thinking through a problem but when it slips into worry somehow I am doubting God’s control and care.

When I feel the urge to worry I often imagine all kinds of unlikely scenarios.  It is during those times I need to remind myself that with God, nothing is impossible.  I can give over to Him all the “what if’s.”

Thank you Lord, that in giving it all to You I can experience peace rather than worry!