In our last weekly poll, we asked for your thoughts on changing the outcome of your dreams.  While  77% of you believe that it is possible to alter your dreams, 4% disagree.  Those still undecided on the matter might be surprised to know that both answers are correct!

If your dream is in full color, and thus given by God, then you do not have the ability to change it.  On the other hand, black and white or gray-scale dreams and muted color dreams from the enemy can  be changed through a practice called lucid dreaming.  Lucid dreaming is the ability to have a measure of conscious activity and control in dreams.  This means that we can actually change the outcome of those spiritual warfare dreams sent to take away our hope in God.  In the midst of dark dreams that reveal Satan’s plan for our lives, we can command God’s will and change the dream to line up with His purposes.  As we learn to influence the events of our dreams, we’ll find that dark or black and white colored dreams will transform into full-blown color. 

Keep in mind that lucid dreaming is not only useful to change the dreams that we don’t like very much.  It is also a tool that God gives us to alter some of those dreams that we do like-but for the wrong reasons.  Some dreams, though pleasing to the soul, are injurious to the spirit.  God allows these dreams because they reveal our weaknesses hidden deep within.  In lucid dreaming we can refuse the ungodly and undesirable and respond to God in repentance.

When was the last time you changed the outcome of a dream?

We live in a culture of increasing darkness and depravity.  Mankind is constantly bombarded with worldly and ungodly spirits and influences that can distract us from seeking out and embracing God’s truth.  If we’re not careful, they can lure us into compromise and sin.  We can’t always avoid coming into contact with these influences, but we can choose whether or not we accept and invite them into our own lives.

 God sends flushing dreams to cleanse us of those day to day encounters that would defile us if they were not washed off of us.  Flushing dreams “shower off” the ungodly influences that we have unintentionally picked up along life’s way before they can seep in and “stain” us.  If you are actively pursuing relationship with Jesus Christ and the ”unspeakable” happens in your dream, remember that God is flushing those sinful thoughts, attitudes, and actions away to help you remain pure and holy in His sight.  Purpose to let them go and fill your mind with the truth of God’s word.

  Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

~Philippians 4:8

Whether  we’re willing to admit it or not, we’ve all had a dream at some point in time that we’d rather not share.  We may have dreamt that we were using the restroom in front of complete strangers or standing naked before family and friends. Though we often consider these dreams to be “dirty” and embarrassing to talk about, they usually aren’t as bad as we think.

 Bathroom dreams generally represent a spiritual cleansing that is already taking place or needs to take place in the dreamer‘s life.  If the bathroom is in full view of others, it is likely that God will expose and remove the toxins publicly, establishing the character trait of humility in the dreamer.  The good news is that spiritual cleansing is usually preparation for spiritual promotion.

Nakedness in dreams is also linked to humility.  While it can represent a false humility, it generally indicates that someone is humble and transparent and that their motives are pure. 

Next time we’ll touch on other unspeakable dreams that we call “flushing dreams.”

One of our DreamBloggR members recently shared a dream involving a current political leader.  In dreams, the name of the position someone holds or represents is very significant.  While the ”president” of the US or another country or organization could literally represent that person, their title signifies authority and might instead represent the Lord.  Likewise, it is possible for one’s husband to represent Christ in a dream and many times our earthly father actually speaks of our Heavenly father. 

Many have shared dreams where John Paul has made an appearance, shared his thoughts to a group, or spoken a personal word.  In most cases, John Paul generally symbolizes prophecy and the words he speaks are a prophetic word to the dreamer. 

On another note,  you might  find yourself holding a title in a dream that you don’t actually hold in the natural.  If you’re the “manager” of something in your dream, God could be revealing that He has something that He wants you to manage.   

How about you?   Have you taken on a notable position in dreamland?  Have you dreamed  about any prominent people lately?

The overall message of a dream can be found by simply focusing on the main elements that reveal the theme or plot of the dream.  As you work through the interpretation process, lay aside any random details that do not affect the outcome of the dream.  The meaning of the dream will become much more clear once all of the “filler” has been removed.  As your interpretation skills grow and your sensitivity to the Holy Spirit increases, re-visit your dreams to work out the details and gain more insight into their meaning.

Remember that God wants you to understand your dreams even more than you do.  So,  keep it simple and don’t sweat the small stuff.

Just as the soul (the mind, will, and emotions) can be the source of a dream, it can also be the source of an interpretation.  Unfortunately, most interpretive methods available to seekers today are misguided, originating from the humanly devised models of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung.  While these methods are widely accepted in both the secular and religious arenas, they fail to recognize that legitimate dream interpretation belongs to God alone.

  As you seek out an accurate interpretation of your own or another’s dream, be aware of interpretive methods that are not based on Scripture.  A dream from God cannot be interpreted correctly by a secular interpretation model.  A soulish interpretation will only bring about temporary change in the dreamer‘s life, whereas an interpretation utilizing principles found in Scripture and given by the Holy Spirit will result in everlasting change.

Look first to the Scriptures for understanding of your dreams.  The Bible is full of parables and allegories explaining various types and symbols.  “Cars” may not be in there, but “chariots” certainly are.  Ask God for understanding regarding your dreams and tap into His unlimited knowledge.

A fourth of the most common dreams we encounter involve an animal, insect, or creature of some sort.  As you’ve probably already guessed, animal activity in dreams is not random.  Each animal symbol speaks for itself through its nature, behavior, and the characteristics that it is generally known for-good or bad.  The meaning of some prove to be simple and clear.  Eagles are widely known for their sight.  Therefore they symbolize the prophetic or a prophetic calling.  However, the meaning of other critters requires a little more prayer and thought.  If you’re dreaming about rats, you might want to note that rats feed on garbage and other impurities.  They forage in darkness and hide in the light.   If you remove the garbage, you won’t have a rat problem.  The hidden message in the rats might be that  you need to “take out the trash” in your life.

What are the animals in your dreams speaking to you?

Determining the significance of a specific person in your dream requires more thought and effort than most other symbols do.  While people can actually represent themselves in a dream, they often symbolize much more.  The following questions can help lead you to an understanding of why a particular person plays a role in your dream.

If you know the individual personally, what is it that causes or caused your paths to cross?  Family?  Church?  A job?  Something from the past?

Reflect on what the individual represents in your own life.  What spiritual qualities do they portray?  Are they known for their peace?  Do they exude love, joy or kindness?

How did they make you feel in the dream?  Did you like or dislike them?  Were your feelings towards them neutral?  Did your feelings in the dream parallel those of real life or did they differ?

Did anything about the individual distinctly stand out to you in the dream?  A message can often be hidden in exaggerated body parts or actions such as a loud voice or an exceptionally long nose.

Has the person appeared in any of your past dreams?  If so, they likely symbolize the same thing in both dreams.

In the case that you are not familiar with a person who participates in your dream be sure to record their description noting their physical appearance, clothing, countenance, mannerisms, the positive and/or negative qualities they exhibited, and any action they took in the dream.  Ask yourself what tone they brought into the dream and what percentage of the dream was impacted by their presence in it.

Continually ask for revelation and understanding, remembering that God alone gives the interpretation of a dream.  He places great value on our searching out matters which He has concealed and will never remove our need for the Holy Spirit’s help.

“If God is a God of color, then why was my dream in black and white?”

It’s not that uncommon to experience a dream that lacks color altogether.  Whether the colors are muted and dingy, in tones of gray, or in low light, the dream can likely be categorized as a dark dream.  While God communicates His will for your life in brilliant, vibrant colors, Satan’s plans are always revealed devoid of color.  Thus, a dark dream is a quick glimpse into the enemy’s destructive plan for your future.  1 Peter 5:8 warns, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”  When you encounter a dark dream, don’t simply dismiss it.  Use it to your advantage.  Recognize the enemy’s hidden agenda to hinder, steal, or destroy God’s great purpose for your life and stand strong against it.