Dreams and Visions

From an Africa Study Bible learn note titled “Dreams and Visions”:

Many Africans feel dreams are significant. They may use mediums, traditional symbolism, circumstances, , or a pastor’s counsel to try to interpret their dreams. Based on biblical teaching, dreams can be:

1. A result of what has been on a person’s mind, such as memories, desires, or hopes. “A hungry person dreams of eating but wakes up still hungry” (Isaiah 29:8). “Too much activity gives you restless dreams” (Ecclesiastes 5:3).

2. False messages (Deuteronomy 13:1-5; Jude 1:8). God said this about false prophets: “Their imaginary dreams are flagrant lies that lead my people into sin. I did not send or appoint them, and they have no message at all for my people” (Jeremiah 23:32).

3. Messages from God that his servants need to understand, such as the dreams of pharaoh (Genesis 41:1-7), Joseph (Genesis 37:5-10), Solomon (1 Kings 3:5), Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2:28), or Joseph and the wise men (Matthew 1–2). 

The Bible tells us everything we must know about God, his work, and his purposes. If God chooses to speak in a dream, the message of that dream will not contradict the teachings of the Bible. Godly dreams glorify God, not the people who receive or interpret them. If someone says, “I received this word for you in a dream”, we should listen, pray, and test the message for ourselves to confirm if it is from God.

In the Bible, dreams are rare, but are often given in crises to people who need God’s specific direction or encouragement. God may also use dreams to bring people to himself. In North Africa recently, there are many stories of Christ appearing to unbelievers in dreams, encouraging them to follow him. 

Today: 

If you believe God may be speaking to you through a dream, ask God to give you insight into its meaning. You can consult with a pastor or another wise Christian. The interpretation of your dream should be consistent with biblical teaching. If the dream suggests something you should do, wait until the Lord clearly opens the door. If the dream suggests something you will experience, let God work it out in his time. Don’t be discouraged if the dream was not a word from God. If God does not speak to you through dreams, you are no less spiritual than the one who receives dreams.