God communicates through dreams throughout Scripture. Joseph in the Old Testament not only had dreams but also had the gift of interpreting dreams for others. Genesis 40: 8 And they replied, “We both had dreams last night, but no one can tell us what they mean.”
“Interpreting dreams is God’s business,” Joseph replied. “Go ahead and tell me your dreams.” [1]
The God given gift of interpretation enabled Joseph to meet Pharaoh and become second in command. Daniel also met King Nebuchadnezzar as he interpreted a dream for the king. God used both Joseph and Daniel to convey a message from Him to unbelieving rulers.
God also provided direction for the Apostle Paul and directed him to the right place in a night vision. Acts 16: 9 That night Paul had a vision: A man from Macedonia in northern Greece was standing there, pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” 10 So we decided to leave for Macedonia at once, having concluded that God was calling us to preach the Good News there. [2]
Why Would God Use Dreams?
During the day, we are often busy and distracted, but when we are asleep, we are still. Job 33: 14 For God speaks again and again, though people do not recognize it. 15 He speaks in dreams, in visions of the night, when deep sleep falls on people as they lie in their beds. [3] God can use this time to give us a message in images.
Unless we work to intentionally remember dreams, we easily forget them. Even the ancients knew this. Job’s friend compared the triumph of the wicked to a dream that fades quickly. Job 20: 8 They will fade like a dream and not be found. They will vanish like a vision in the night. [4] God can use this characteristic of dreams to test our willingness to listen and seek Him.
Dreams are often image-rich and need interpretation. But as we have seen, this is God’s business. Interpretation requires prayer and spending more time in God’s presence. It can be a subtle way for God to encourage us to spend more time with Him.
Does God Still Give Dreams?
Some argue that God only gave dreams because there was no Bible, and it was a means by which God could communicate at the time. When the Holy Spirit fell at Pentecost, Peter spoke about God using dreams. Acts 2: 16 No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel: 17 ‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. [5]
We are still living in the last days with the power of the Holy Spirit. At times, we wish God would just send us a memo with His direct instructions, but He usually doesn’t work that way. God created each of us uniquely and individualizes His communication with each of us. He most often uses Scripture, but God communicates through dreams for all the reasons listed above. Remember, no matter which method He uses, God still wants to speak to you. Be ready to listen. To find out more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/the-gift-of-dreams
[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.