The prudent see danger coming and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it (Proverbs 27:12).

Economically speaking, our family is going through a bit of a lean period these days.  Circumstances have conspired to provide us with a (temporarily) lower salary while we've simultaneously had to absorb a number of hits to our savings.  It's not grounds for panic yet, since God's blessed us with some funds remaining in our savings account.  Even so, the whole situation has been making me a bit uncomfortable.  And uncertain about what to do now.  I mean, we Do have the savings (albeit not as much as would be ideal), and savings are designed for times like these, right?  But shouldn't we be cutting back in our regular household expenses, too, considering the fact that we've got less income for the time being?  I waffle between "life as usual" and "lock-down mode."  I don't want to create a panic situation in my family (because it's no fun, but also because I really don't think we're at that point yet), but I also don't want to foolishly keep bleeding money and draining our savings account either.  I'm reassured that God knows our needs and will take care of our family, just like He takes care of the half-penny birds and the lilies of the field (see Matthew chapter 6) -- so this would kind of make me lean toward the "life as usual" philosophy... But then, I read Proverbs 27:12 and I realize that the prudent see danger coming (even if it's still a long ways off) and take refuge -- while it's the simple who keep going and suffer for it.  Thus, I can also find myself leaning toward the "lock-down mode" at times, as well.

In essence:  I'm thinking about how to trust God for His provision, while simultaneously exercising some prudence and taking some refuge from the approaching economic dangers.

As I've meditated on this Proverb, I've come to realize that taking refuge doesn't necessarily mean moving to a cave and hiding out until all signs of danger have passed.  It doesn't mean complete financial lock-down, in our case.  But taking refuge DOES mean taking some precautionary measures, developing some contingency plans, and keeping a close eye on further developments in the particular area of danger.  If the danger grows stronger or closer, I can lock down further, implement more precautionary measures, and monitoring the situation even more closely.  It's common sense, really.  Still it's uncommonly wise -- and surprisingly uncommonly-implemented in our world today.  In times of danger, like our family's current economic situation, we don't have to panic; but neither do we have to pretend like nothing's wrong.  It's a healthy middle ground that allows both for trusting God and exercising prudence.  Easier said than done, perhaps, but absolutely wise.