Some people dismiss the idea that dreams can have significance. Others believe that there is spiritual meaning in every dream and that all should be interpreted and taken seriously.
I believe that a balanced Biblical viewpoint lies somewhere in between these two extremes.
4 Types of Dreams and Their Meanings
Identifying which type of dream we have had can help us determine whether to consider a potential meaning in the dream, and what—if anything—to do with it.
Here are four dream categories that I have personally found helpful:
1. Ordinary, Processing Dreams
Dreaming is a natural function of the brain, occurring mainly during the REM stage of sleep. [1]
I believe that it is not necessary to seek meaning in the majority of our dreams.
Last night I watched a murder mystery on DVD before I went to bed—something I usually avoid. Not surprisingly, my dreams contained an element of danger.
I do not remember most of my “processing” dreams—and those that I do recall quickly fade. However, other people I know are vivid dreamers and can recall them clearly. Sometimes people refer to unusual but meaningless dreams as “pizza dreams.”
The GIGO (garbage in, garbage out) principle applies to dreams. Whatever we feed our senses and minds with will invariably find expression in our sleep.
“Much dreaming and many words are meaningless…” (Eccl 5:7)
If you are unsure about a dream you have had, pray about it. Perhaps it may fit in one of the other dream types.
2. Prophetic Dreams
“For God may speak in one way, or in another, yet man does not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls upon men, while slumbering on their beds, then He opens the ears of men and seals their instruction.” Job 33:14-16 (NKJV)
From the book of Genesis all the way through the Bible, dreams are one way that God speaks to His people.
However, even those who were gifted in the area of dreams and dream interpretation (Joseph and Daniel, for example) only had a few dreams that were significant enough to be recorded in the Scriptures.
Joel and Peter mentioned dreams as one manifestation of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, along with prophecy and visions. (Acts 2:17)
There are many ways that God used dreams in the Bible—for example:
- Warnings (Abimilek, Gen 20:1-8))
- Revealing destiny and the call of God (Joseph, Gen 37:5-10)
- Impartation of a spiritual gift or ability (Solomon, 1 Kings 3:5)
- A strategy for provision (Jacob, Gen 31:10)
- A sign of His Presence (Jacob’s ladder, Gen 28:12))
- Guidance (Paul, Acts 16:9)
My husband Malcolm (aka ‘The Hunk’) and I occasionally have dreams that we believe contain prophetic insights from God. I find these dreams have a greater than usual clarity and I awake with a sense of God’s Presence.
The Bible contains many promises that God will bless our sleep and dream life.
So, let’s increase our sense of expectation that God will speak to us through our dreams. [2]
3. Soul Dreams
Soul dreams reveal emotions, attitudes, or beliefs that we may be trying to deny or repress.
They are a means that God can use for good—to help us bring them into the open and deal with them.
Signs you may be having a soul dream include:
- Actual memories resurfacing in your dreams
- Vivid emotions that you can link to an event, past present, or future
- Repeating, or recurring dreams
Soul dreams may indicate a response, such as fear or anger, to an event that is happening at present in our lives, or that we are anticipating in the future. If something from your past is surfacing, you can be assured that it is ready to be dealt with and that your loving Father is waiting to bring healing to you.
We should never dismiss soul dreams as being unimportant. They give us insight into our inner world and can be powerful when seen in our Father’s redemptive light. They also reveal what He designs to heal and turn around. And furthermore, they provide solutions—because they shine a light on underlying problems.
If you are having soul dreams that you believe are significant, pray about them and ask God how you should respond. If needed, find a leader/mentor or wise Christian counsel to pray with you and help you process whatever is coming to the surface.
4. Spiritual Warfare Dreams
On occasion, I have experienced spiritual warfare during my sleep.
When this takes place, God allows demonic intrusion into our sleep for His purposes:
- To set us free and bring us closer to Him,
- In order to pray effectively and
- For the purpose of exposing the hidden strategies of the enemy
a. Spiritual Warfare
‘In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.’ (Psalm 4:8)
Dreams can be an alert to pray during times of spiritual warfare. There have been times when I have woken my husband and we have prayed together because I have experienced a demonic confrontation in a dream. We know that our prayers have made a difference.
b. Demonic Oppression in Dreams
You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,’ (Psalm 91:5)
Repeated nightmares can be a sign of having an ‘open doorway’ in our lives for demonic oppression. Those who have experienced trauma, or been involved in the occult (personally or generationally), for example, may be vulnerable in this area. But bad dreams and nightmares can be redeemed and overcome.
Many years ago I had regular nightmares. Through receiving prayer ministry I was able to identify the source of these and gain freedom through prayer. [3]
It is important to remember that God is greater than any other spiritual influence and that as Christians we have power in prayer, using the Name of Jesus, to overcome any spiritual attack.
c. Discernment Dreams
Some people who have the gift of discernment may experience conflict in their dreams, or be alerted to a demonic presence or strategy through a dream. [4] The purpose of this may be for a prophetic warning as well as for prayer and intercession.
‘You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.’ (1 John 4:4)
We should never be afraid, as the result of a dream. If you have one that you are concerned about—no matter what type of dream it is—share it with someone you trust and pray about it.
Notes
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dream
[2] The following articles may be helpful:
What To Do When You Have A Prophetic Dream.
How Do I Know A Personal Prophecy Or Dream Interpretation Is From God?
Prophetic Dreams: 11 Tips to Discover the Meaning of Your Dream
[3] Prayer Ministry is an extended session of prayer with 2 or more trained prayer ministers in a safe, supervised setting. It should be used in conjunction with pastoral care in the church and if necessary, professional counseling.
[4] If you are having discernment-type dreams this article may be helpful: 8 Signs You May Have The Spiritual Gift Of Discernment.
© Helen Calder, Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching
Enliven Ministries: Prophetic Ministry for a Revival Generation
Helen Calder is a prophetic minister and writer, and founder of Enliven Ministries. Helen has a unique gift of equipping in prophetic ministry and prayer. She is known for Enliven Blog (est. 2009), an online resource that reaches thousands of people globally.
Could you provide more info on the demonic oppression in dreams pls? I really enjoy your blog, it’s a great help. Words can’t explain, continue to allow God to use you, I so do appreciate it.
Hi Tia,
Thank you for leaving a note, I am glad you are finding the blog helpful.
Apart from the brief answers I have mentioned in the article above, is there a specific question you would like answered about demonic oppression in dreams?
I have never experienced a tangible demonic presence but I do occasionally have dreams in which I cast out demons and often am overcome by fear. However, there have been about 3 occasions in the last year in which I’ve felt extreme unrest as though a great darkness was present. Once when I had became very intrigued by the supernatural realm and asked God to physically manifest himself to me (I quickly learned that this was unbiblical and may have just as well been an invitation for Satan). Another actually, yesterday – I met with a rather new friend who appeared to have a very intimate relationship with The Lord and plenty of spiritual insight. Strange enough, it was with her that my spirit became heavily uneasy. And this same feeling occurs, but less often, during my dreams involving demons and/or the night thereof. I am struggling with the event with my friend because of her apparent zeal for God (though her doctrine on tongues as the mark of the Holy Spirit is not one I have found supported in scripture). I thought maybe there was something present in her room but we ended up at another location, first in public, and then in a secluded area where I was immediately stirred as before. After reading one of your posts on discernment I speculate that it may be my gift. If that is the case am I to expect spiritual attacks of greater magnitude? And what should I make about this particular situation?
Hi Dani, I think that the situation with your friend may be more a call to pray. Sensing something heavy does not necessarily mean you are discerning something about the person (although in some situations it can be the Spirit alerting us to be cautious) but more likely a prophetic call to pray for her.
I believe prayer should be our first port of call with discernment as we seek Father for more insight about the situation. I also believe that in keeping with God being a Redeemer that the outcomes He intends are good.
I would say don’t expect greater attacks, instead, expect greater faith and a greater insight into the authority you carry as a Christian.
I’m very grateful to God that the trials I experienced as a discerner in early years have made way for much growth in faith, in spiritual authority and in knowing Who my God is and who I am in Him. Have you read the discernment articles on the blog? (see categories on the right of this page)
Hope this helps :-)
I hope it is not too late to ask but I had a disturbing two-night consecutive dream occurence back in August 2011. A friend of mine who I had not seen in decade was wearing a white, dress shirt in this room with gray walls and the first night, the scripture was written on the wall and said “Ephesians 6.” Then, this friend turns into blood quickly on to the floor. The second night, a different scripture, Ezekiel 21:27 with same friend, same shirt and same room. This time, however, a red long chain came out of his right side and tried to grip me, but, I fought it. Then the friend turned into blood again and this time, the blood was all over me—was able to feel the hot blood-gross-disturbed. I literally did not eat for three days in waking life after this 2nd dream. Please help me with whatever interpretation you may have-so much occurred since then and “this friend” is back in my life (but in an out-not so frequent).
Hi Monique, I’m sorry to hear of the difficult dream that you had.
We have a policy not to give personal prophecies or dream interpretations via the Internet, so I can’t help you in respect to details.
Dreams usually contain personal elements from the dreamers own life, so it can be helpful to process a disturbing dream personally (especially if it has been a long term concern) with a counselor, or pastor.
Here’s some info on prayer ministry in case that is helpful:
http://enlivenpublishing.com/blog/2012/09/11/prayer-ministry-ideas-and-guidelines/
Greetings Helen!
About two weeks ago, I dreamt what I believe to be a prophetic dream. Currently, I’m without a spouse/single and childless. In the dream I saw myself in a hospital setting and was given a new baby boy. I thought it was weird because I didn’t see the woman that I had the child with or where the child came from.
Common knowledge would say that a new baby represents a new beginning, a starting over has begun, breakthrough, deliverance… but is this a message from God about what’s to come in the near future? A breakthrough? Prayers being answered?… Any insight would be greatly appreciated!
Your Bro. in Christ,
Alex
Hi Alex, great dream and question! We are on the road ministering, watch this space and I will get back to you in a couple of days.
Hi Alex, that is an exciting prophetic dream – I like the range of meanings that you suggest, and particularly the sense of being entrusted by God with something ‘new.’ Dreams are primarily symbolic in nature, some people take literal meanings from them and then are disappointed when it doesn’t take place exactly as they dreamed, so we believe wisdom is to take a prophetic dream as symbolic and allow God to fulfil it as, and when, He desires. It seems He is preparing you with the dream to increase you and ready you in faith for what He is going to do and give you. Rejoice and receive His anointing for your new season. (Is 54)
Greetings again Helen,
Thanks for your reply and prophetic insights! Believe it or not, I kinda heard something very similar from someone a while ago pertaining to me receiving an increase and fresh anointing. The past couple of days, I’ve been going through spiritual warfare which has brought down my faith level somewhat concerning things that have been spoken to me by God. I’ve come to find out that are ‘soon’ is not God’s ‘soon’ and so, our humanity reacts accordingly…(Abraham & Sarah). I just hope I don’t birth an Ishmael!
Nevertheless, I’m really glad I got connected to your ministry through Tweeter & your blogs which by the way has been a tremendous blessing to me. The Holy Spirit is truly responsible for this divine connection. I know he’s speaking thourgh you to me! Stay pure and true. Amen.
Shalom,
-Alex