DREAM DISCERNMENT—RECOGNIZING THE SPIRIT’S VOICE

“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” (1 John 4:1)

How can we tell whether a dream is being used by the Holy Spirit or is simply the result of an overindulgence in late-night snacks? Researchers have found that certain foods can trigger vivid dreams, while the science of sleep shows that dreams help our brains process information, reduce stress, and strengthen neural networks.

With all these potential sources for our dreams, discernment becomes essential. The good news is that we’re not left alone to figure this out. Scripture provides frameworks for testing every spiritual impression, including dreams.

Consider what triggered your dream. Was it sparked by an unspoken anxiety, an underlying fear, or the tender hope for a particular outcome? Did your brain work overtime to make sense of a puzzling situation? No matter what physiologically or spiritually sparked the dream, we can bring every dream to God and ask for his perspective.

Dreams can be conversation starters with God.

Our primary response to any significant dream should always be prayer. What might the Spirit want to reveal through this dream about our hesitancies and hopes, our anxieties and aspirations? What area of our life needs more trust, deeper love, or intentional maturation?

James 1:5 promises that God generously gives wisdom to all who ask. Before considering any tangible response to a dream, we should look for confirmation through Scripture, our faith community, and reflection on God’s character.

Here are several discernment questions to help evaluate whether a dream might contain divine guidance:

• Does the interpretation of the dream align with the narrative of Scripture—not just a single verse pulled from context?
• Does the message align with God’s character as revealed in Jesus Christ?
• Does it align with the work God has already been doing in your life?
• Is it a response, even a partial one, to prayers you’ve been praying?
• Would your response to this dream increase your dependence on God?
• Would acting on this dream cause you to love God or others more?
• Do wise and Christ-centered people in your life confirm your understanding of the dream?

Today’s Reflection Questions:

1. What steps can you take to better remember your dreams? (Consider keeping a journal by your bed to record dreams immediately upon waking.)
2. Think about a recent significant dream. How would you evaluate it using the discernment questions above?
3. How comfortable are you discussing your dreams with trusted spiritual friends? Who might help you discern the Spirit’s prayer promptings in your dreams?
4. What patterns have you noticed in dreams that later proved spiritually significant in your life?

Prayer for Today: Holy Spirit, sharpen my discernment. Help me distinguish between my own thoughts and Your voice, between ordinary dreams and those carrying Your message. Give me wisdom to interpret correctly and humility to seek confirmation from Scripture and godly counsel. Increase my spiritual sensitivity both day and night. Amen.