@zephan This is very interesting! Several years ago I had a dream that a major storm was coming, like no storm ever before. I realized that no building or anything would be safe in this storm. I saw there were some others who were aware this storm was coming, and they were gathering all kinds of things, pots and pans, and almost everything one can think of that they valued. They were placing these things in a bus. I wondered at this, as I was sure the bus would be blown away in the storm. I had found an underground place of refuge, but was wondering what to take with me. I then realized that all I needed were candles and lots of them! If I had enough candles, they would meet every potential need. I then began searching for candles to buy (as many as possible), realizing that when more people were aware of the need to stock up on candles, it may be too late to buy them as they would be cleared off the shelve. Upon awaking, I thought of the parable of the 10 virgins and the oil.
@zephan I've had several other dreams related to the need for greater initimacy with God, rather than these other earthly concerns. Your message is a confirmation and encouragement. During the earlier part of the pandemic especially there were shortages and grocery shopping was challenging. I never knew what would ve available. There were also fear based messages from various media sources, but the Scriptures that were highlighted most to me were about laying up treasure in Heaven, or about not worrying what we will eat or wear because God will provide, etc. There are also Scriptures about preparing ahead for future needs, but as you said, how can we know what those needs will be unless He reveals them? The way He's led very specifically in certain situations and provided for my family in ways we couldn't otherwise have known, has increased my confidence that if He is saying, "Don't worry. You don't need to focus on stocking up extensively right now." Then, I can trust Him with that.
@Cherishingsparrows2020 @zephan "There are also Scriptures about preparing ahead for future needs, but as you said, how can we know what those needs will be unless He reveals them?" - This is exactly how I and my husband has felt about this issue. Yes, I'm convinced we have tough times ahead, but we can't run around in panic preparing ourselves, that only leads us astray. What we can and should do is to continue walking with the Lord EVERY day, and He will instruct and show us when it's time to act - just the way He's always done and is doing in everything concerning our lives! Although we have made small preparations (extra food that can be stored, a small gas stove), we're fully aware we're totally dependent on our Lord to take us through whatever is coming. So I just want to press closer to Him!
Song of Songs 8:5: "Who is that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved?"
The bride comes out of the wilderness LEANING on her bridegroom - that's the way out for us too!