My friend, a much more experienced hiker, explained that because it was so dry and hot in the canyon, you could lose up to two quarts of fluids without realizing it. Without the physical reminder of sweat-dampened skin, it is easier to become severely dehydrated. Every year park rangers rescue more than three hundred people due to injuries and illness such as dehydration. Here it was a matter of life and death to be properly prepared.

Armed with several large bottles of water and a bag of trail mix, we had a challenging but great hike that morning. As we headed back up the trail after our descent into the canyon, I saw a few other hikers who had not heeded the sign and were sitting exhausted and even crying on the side of the trail. As we neared the end of our hike and caught sight of the trailhead, I remembered that God’s Word teaches, “Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run” (Prov. 21:5 msg). Having planned for the rigors of the hike by filling our water bottles and bringing energy food, we ensured our hiking experience was different from those who did not.

Though Jesus taught that we aren’t to worry about tomorrow, many Bible verses emphasize the importance of planning for the future. In fact, taking some steps to prepare for the unforeseen, while also trusting God’s sovereignty, can help eliminate needless anxiety.