We might know the importance of dreams as one of the mediums for God to communicate with man. But when we talk about dreams and visions or had dreams of similar nature, it is inevitable to face an important issue: How can we discern whether a dream is from God or not?
If one treats a normal dream as a dream from God, then he is making a big mistake. He is making a lie. If one treats a normal dream as a dream from God and preaches the dream like a message from God, he becomes a false prophet. In the Book of Jeremiah chapter 23, we see the Jeremiah the Prophet criticizing this problem severely. Similarly, if one treats a dream from God as a normal dream and dismisses it, he is despising the word and revelation from God. Looking at these two kind of possible consequences, we see the importance and urgency to understand how to discern revelations with a fearful heart.
If someone suspects that he had a dream or vision from God, he should first review it with biblical truth and principles, preferably with the help of spiritually mature mentors. One special characteristic a divine dream should possess is a strong intensity. A divine dream is likely to cause special feeling or engagement of the soul. Normally, our whole body including the brain rest during sleep. The brain is only partially awake even upon the occurrences of dreams. As a result we experience irrational, confusing and discontinuous visual animations and other senses. Also, we often find dreams to be difficult to recall once awake. This is due to the weak activation of processing ability and memorization of the brain during sleep.
When divine dreams happen, God light of truth shines upon your mind and spirit. The words from the mouth of God always carry power. The dreamer of divine dreams should be able to sense the power and recognize them apart from normal dreams. In the book of Genesis, Jacob saw God above the ladder of heaven and name the place Bethel. This is an example that illustrates the power of divine dreams or visions.
In strong intensity of divine dreams causes the person to react. The power touches the person’s inner being and makes him response in the way God wills. These dreams are more vivid and real in many senses. Some even reported lucid dreams which the dreamer had difficulty telling the difference of dream and reality. And these dreams are naturally more clearly remembered, sometimes even the details.
The powerful messages in divine dreams leave long term impression in someone’s mind. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. The divine revelations are given for the good to people who love God. Sometimes more than personal, God speaks to individuals about a group of people, nations or even the whole human race. The intensity of a dream provides us with a clue to judge its origin.
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