Seven Foundational Principles for Interpreting Dreams
1. Most dreams are symbolic (including biblical dreams), so view them the same way you would view a political cartoon. Throw the switch in your brain that says, "Look at this symbolically."
You can learn the art of communicating symbolically by playing the game "Pictionary" or "Bible Pictionary."
2. The symbols will come from the dreamer's life, so ask, "What does this symbol mean to me?" or, if working on another's dream, ask, "What does this symbol mean to you?"
For example, Joseph was a shepherd, and he dreamed of sheaves and sun, moon and stars bowing down (Gen. 37:1-11). These images surround a shepherd boy who lives in the fields. Nebuchadnezzar, a king, dreamed of statues of gold (Dan 2:31ff), which surround kings who live in palaces.
3. The dream generally speaks of the concerns which your heart is currently facing. So ask, "What issues was I processing the day before I had the dream?"
For example, Paul was wondering where to go next on his missionary journey and had a dream of a Macedonian man motioning for him to come on over (Acts 16:6-11). Nebuchadnezzar was thinking his kingdom would go on forever (Dan. 4:28-33) and he had a dream of a tree being chopped off at the roots (Dan. 4:9-27). Once you know the thoughts that were on the dreamer's heart when he fell asleep, it is much easier to draw out the meaning of the dream.
4. The meaning of the dream must be drawn from the dreamer. Realize you know nothing about the dream, but through dependence upon the Holy Spirit and the skillful use of questions, you can draw the meaning of the dream out from the heart of the dreamer.
As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams (Dan. 1:17).
Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out (Prov. 20:5).
5. The dreamer's heart will leap and "witness" and say, "Aha!" when it hears the right interpretation, so never accept an interpretation that does not bear witness in the dreamer's heart.
6. Dreams reveal but do not condemn. Their goal is to preserve life, not to destroy it (Job 33:13-18).
7. Never make a major decision in your life based only on a dream without receiving additional confirmation from the other ways that God speaks to us and guides us (peace in our hearts, the counsel of others, illumined Scriptures, God's still small voice, prophecy, anointed reasoning, etc.).
As I discuss in the classes of the Christian University and Online Bible College where I teach, dreams can help us to understand certain aspects of our lives, gain direction and guidance for decisions, and contain messages from God. So, it is good to take the time to recall and interpret our dreams.
Questions and Answers
Article Tags:
christian education
,christian university
,bible college
,dreams
,dream interpretation
Do dreams carry meaning? The Bible tells us that dreams DO sometimes carry meaning. So, it is important for us to know how to interpret our dreams and understand what God is communicating. This article gives a simple method for interpreting dreams.
Do dreams carry meaning? The Bible tells us that dreams DO sometimes carry meaning. So, it is important for us to know how to interpret our dreams and understand what God is communicating. Here are seven reasons we should listen to our dreams.
Do dreams carry meaning? The Bible tells us that dreams DO sometimes carry meaning. So, it is important for us to know how to interpret our dreams and understand what God is communicating. This article gives an example of God communicating through a dream.
The Lord speaks to us in many ways, through prayer, messages from other people, and, of course, the Scriptures. The Bible also shows us that the Lord sometimes speaks to us through dreams. This article is an exchange I had with a friend about a dream he had.
One of the most difficult aspects of dreams and dream interpretation is the seemingly simple task of recalling your dreams. I’ve heard many people claim that they don’t dream most nights. They actually do. It’s just that they don’t recall the dreams. In this article are five things you can do to help you recall your dreams.
Do you want to live a fulfilling life? The peace of God is a catalyst for a fulfilled life. The more of God's peace you experience, the more your life is fulfilling. This article gives the steps to increase the peace of the Lord.
For centuries the Jewish people had heard from the scriptures, prophets, priests and rabbis that God would fulfill His promise and establish a New Covenant with His people through the Messiah. On this day in Acts 2 God fulfilled His promise and poured out His Spirit on His people.
"Women inside Christianity" is often a vast along with sophisticated theme by using multiple volume because Christianity is probably the biggest religions on the earth applied within various societies plus countries worldwide.
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever will believe will have everlasting life and not perish. God is there for nonbelievers also. He wants all of His children back. Seek and you shall find, ask and you shall receive, knock and the door will be opened
Historic Black College choirs across the country traditionally visit local community churches. For many churches it's reminiscent of a homecoming. Alum, prospective students and the community at large celebrate the choir, enjoy and appreciate the sacred music, pay tribute to loved ones that have helped financially support and embraced the school's mission which instills pride in the hope and dream of surviving and making it in a harsh world. Their presence is a testament of God's goodness.
The world today is filled with corruption and evil. It's not hard to take a look around and get completely depressed. But fear not! There is hope!
We can hear the voice of God and, often times, God speaks to us through spontaneous thoughts.
What do you do when you hear someone claim to hear the voice of God? Do you not believe them? Do, you mock them? Perhaps, you should ask why you aren't hearing the voice of God. Learn the 4 keys to hearing God's voice.
There are many Christian colleges and universities to choose from, but how do you know which to choose. Here are some key characteristics of great Christian colleges to consider to help you with your choice.
Christian Arts come from the inspiration of God, the Holy Spirit flowing through us leading to any number of creative outlets. But what is the purpose of the Christian Arts? What is this creativity intended for?
Discuss this Article
