The Christian Life: Understanding The Mystery of Dreams and Visions

Introduction to Dreams and Visions

By: Minister Denise N. Fyffe

The bible states in Numbers 12:6 (KJV), “Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision and will speak unto him in a dream.” This scripture clarifies that God communicates using dreams and visions. Does that also mean that everyone who dreams is a prophet? No. It however advises that this is one indication or characteristic of someone who has a prophetic calling or gifting. Furthermore, Acts 2:17-18

(ESV), also states,

“And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. even on my male servants and female servants in those days, I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.”

This scripture provides evidence that more people, both male and female, will receive communication from God, via dreams and visions, and may try to seek understanding or clarification. They seek knowledge about the meaning of their dreams or visions and how they will impact their life; especially if it is symbolic and complex.

Communicating with God, Dreams and Visions

Dreams and visions are God’s special way of communicating with individuals, people, or nations. One can say he enjoys challenging us to engage with Him and seek greater understanding. Furthermore, many of us do not realize that this is simply another way for God to communicate intimately with his people or servants. We often apply secular assumptions to the meaning of dreams or why we dream what we dream. For example, eating something bad, having an overactive imagination, or our brain is trying to make sense of the day’s activities. We often forget that we are spiritual beings as well as physical creatures. Therefore, we also have spiritual interactions and spiritual communication. The creator communicates constantly with His creation.

The Language of Heaven

God Almighty is the original poet. He is a master lyricist and from Him is the genesis of all nuances, metaphors, allegories, symbolism, and imagery. He intrigues us by painting pictures of various spiritual scenarios using symbolic elements that are contrived from heavenly, universal, and personal representations. Dreams and visions are supernatural encounters, unlike any earthly example that we could ever concoct. However, because it occurs with frequency, many have lost the well-deserved, awestruck reaction it should inspire. Furthermore, God is the original telepath. He speaks to our spirit, and those messages are received and translated in some fashion to our minds, and hearts. And He gives to each his own measures as dictated by our capacity and gifting. So, if you are receiving overly complex symbolic dreams, God is indicating that you can translate or interpret that dream. However, it will require unwavering faith, steadfast effort in searching for meaning, and consistent diligence on your part, to develop those abilities or gifts. You may also find that God encourages your development by constantly communicating with you via dreams or visions. For example, in the story of the dreamer, Joseph, when he first received his dreams in Genesis 37, he was not the person who interpreted them. This was mostly done by his father or brothers, who ironically did not realize they had the gift of dream interpretation; they were blinded by jealousy and anger. Joseph though was a young boy who was merely excited and naïve. Although by Genesis 40, we see that he developed into a mature and wise man who could interpret dreams and wisely acknowledge God, giving Him the glory. He was able to reach a kingdom assignment to a King, Pharaoh because God had progressively groomed him using Joseph’s trials and tribulations. One of these encounters, we know occurred in prison. This is also a clear example that even at our worst moments, or the most challenging and grim times of our lives, God will still maintain his heavenly communication with our spirit and attempt to guide, warn, or deliver us.

Activity:

• Ask God to intervene in your dreams and teach you. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you with dream interpretation and especially help you to remember the details. It is best to have a dream journal and record them.

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About the writer: Minister Denise N. Fyffe is a published author of over 50 fiction and non-fiction books. She started Revealing the Christian Life Ministry to help other Christians and provide support. She is also a trainer and mentors aspiring writers towards achieving their goals. For more information on Dreams & Visions, visit Kindle Vella for free chapters of the book.