Dreams.

But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. Matthew 1:20

Does God still speak through the method of dreams? Just ask any new Christian from Iran. Ask any Christian from a country that harshly persecutes Christians. Yes, Jesus still speaks to people in dreams. In my novel Toyuk dreams play a big part for both the main character and another character. Learning how to understand completely, and what to do with the dream, becomes a process worked out with the Holy Spirit within the individual.

We have discounted the dream world, thinking it is only a place of a brain doing reset processes. If that was the case why would God utilize that method of communication to the individual? Wouldn’t it always be quickly dismissed? Then there is the difference between a normal dream and a supernatural given dream. If you talk to someone who has had a spiritual dream, and ask them questions about it, they can easily tell you how it seemed different. Have you ever had a dream from God? How was it different?

Obviously, the dreams Joseph was having about Mary and Jesus were instructive and gave Joseph directions. What would it have been like if Joseph had just dismissed those dreams as not being real? Why would God utilize dreams rather than just having an angel show up and just speak to the individual? What is the reason the Holy Spirit really wants to reside actually within us? How does having a real spiritual dream affect an individual?

For my part God has used several spiritual dreams throughout my life to teach me about Himself and His ways. The Holy Spirit has brought back the memories and ‘vision’ of those dreams to explain certain aspects He wanted me to understand and learn. Do I share those dreams with others? Only by approval and direction from the Holy Spirit. Those dreams are VERY private and special to me. As I am sure the dreams Joseph had, were also very private for him. I’m sure Mary was very respectful of Joseph for the dreams God was giving to him. Those dreams allowed Mary to be cherished and loved, along with making a home for Jesus.

Yes. God STILL speaks to individuals TODAY. He wants you to learn to hear Him and converse with Him on a daily basis. This IS the life with the indwelling Presence of the Holy Spirit within you. He is your Teacher, Guide, and Comforter. The Holy Spirit points you and teaches you about Jesus. He confirms Jesus’ will for you. The Holy Spirit births and grows the fruit of agape (God’s love) love within you – teaching you about His heart.

So, what should you do if you have what you think is a spiritual dream? Once awake, write it down. Then ask the Holy Spirit to explain it you. Remember spiritual dream interpretation belongs to God.

They said to him, “We have had dreams, and there is no one to interpret them.” And Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Please tell them to me.” Genesis 40:8

It seems both Joseph’s in the Bible were both given some pretty severe spiritual dreams. Learning how to correctly live with them can be a challenge. If you are having spiritual dreams, I suggest you explore all those in the scriptures who had spiritual dreams. And ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and guide you on how to navigate and learn what He wants you to learn from those dreams.

Wouldn’t it be worth it to actually listen to God? And obey?