Dreams And Visions
God has ever shown His will to His servants through visions and dreams, and promises to continue doing so till the end of time (Joel 2:28; Amos 3:7). Dreams are received in sleep, as contrasted with “visions,” which refer to visual revelations in general.
Based on Joel 2:28, it has been proposed that “visions” are generally given to younger men and women, and “dreams” to those who are older in age. The young, who have both the ideals and the energy to attempt the impossible, are to see Spirit-given visions containing guidance and instruction for the present and the future.
An “open vision” (1 Samuel 3:1) is a physically exhausting to the body as in Daniel 10:8–11, 16–19. Different prophets narrated of experiences similar to that of Daniel. God’s dreams seem to cause far less impact on the physical faculties of the person to whom they are given.
How Do We Know If A Dream Is From God Or Not?
In seeking to understand dreams and their interpretations, please consider the following:
1-God promised that at the end of time, He will certainly give dreams to His children to help them in their spiritual walk as seen in the prophecy of the prophet Joel. “And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions” (Joel 2:28). This prophecy was also quoted by the apostle Peter in Acts 2:17.
2-Study some of the Bible examples of dreams that were given for: Joseph, son of Jacob (Genesis 37:5-10); Joseph, the husband of Mary (Matthew 2:12-22); Solomon (1 Kings 3:5-15); Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2:1, 7:1); Pilate’s wife (Matthew 27:19) and the Magi (Matthew 2:12). These stories will help educate God’s children to the purpose, revelation, and interpretation of dreams.
3-All dreams, visions and revelations must agree 100% with what had already been revealed in the scriptures. This should be the test for all dreams: “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20). The Word of God is the standard of truth and the guide to right living. Whatever is seen in dreams that is not in harmony with the Word is not from God. Thus, dreams cannot be put into a place of authority over the Scriptures.
4-In order too understand and interpret what you see in your sleep, ask God for wisdom and the Lord promised to give it. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5). When a believer seeks wisdom, God will certainly answer his prayer unhesitatingly.
You may also need to seek the counsel of Godly people in the church. “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14). Sharing the dreams with God’s faithful and anointed people will ensure that every important factor in the dream is weighed and interpreted according to the Scriptures (Proverbs 15:22; 20:18; 24:6).
5-In Scripture, whenever anyone experienced a dream from God, the Lord always made the meaning of the dream clear, whether directly to the person, through an angel, or through a messenger (Genesis 40:5-11; Daniel 2:45, 4:19). When God speaks to us, He makes sure His message is clearly understood. So, if you are in doubt about a dream (after asking God), then the dream is likely not from God.
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
