The Dreams – I: When God Speaks in the Night
Dreams are a mysterious and powerful way God communicates with us. They are more than just the mind’s activity during sleep—they are sacred channels for divine messages, especially when they come from the Holy Spirit.
The Bible tells us that dreams can occur during deep or light sleep. In them, you may see, touch, hear, taste, or even smell what is being revealed.
“…When there are prophets among you, I the LORD make myself known to them in visions; I speak to them in dreams…” – Numbers 12:6
From ancient times, God has chosen to speak to people through dreams. In the New Covenant, this promise is extended to everyone.
“In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh… your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.” – Acts 2:17
There is an increase in God-given dreams in the age of the Holy Spirit. The Bible also calls them “night visions.”
“I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.” – Psalm 16:7
A clear example is St. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. His life-changing decisions were guided by divine dreams.
When he wanted to leave Mary quietly:
“But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream…” – Matthew 1:20
“When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him…” – Matthew 1:24
Joseph was also warned in a dream to flee to Egypt for Jesus’ safety (Matthew 2:13–14), and again to return after Herod’s death (Matthew 2:19–20). Later, being warned again in a dream, he settled in Galilee instead of Judea (Matthew 2:22).
“In a dream, in a vision of the night… He opens their ears and terrifies them with warnings.” – Job 33:15-16
Not every dream is from God. Some dreams, although they may appear true or come to pass, are inspired by other spirits.
“If prophets or those who divine by dreams appear… and say, ‘Let us follow other gods’…” – Deuteronomy 13:1-2
Even if these dreams happen, we are warned not to follow them. They can cut us off from God’s divine guidance.
“…you must not heed the words of those who… divine by dreams… The LORD your God you shall follow…” – Deuteronomy 13:3-4
We must resist such dreams in the name of Jesus and plead His blood for protection.
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – James 4:7
“But they conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” – Revelation 12:11
Dreams That Come From Within
Some dreams stem from our own minds, triggered by anxiety, stress, or unfulfilled desires.
“For dreams come with many cares…” – Ecclesiastes 5:3
“They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.” – Jeremiah 23:16
“Unless they are sent by the Most High, pay no attention to them.” – Sirach 34:5-6
Conclusion
Dreams can be divine channels or deceptive distractions. We must learn to discern the origin of our dreams. The Holy Spirit leads and instructs through night visions, while the enemy and even our own hearts can generate misleading ones. Let us seek God’s voice, stay close to His Word, and test every dream in the light of scripture.
