348 – Dreams are God’s Whispers

#faithbites #faithjourney Whispers

Last night I had a vivid dream. My dad, who past nearly 10 years ago, was with me. He was helping me get out of an apartment or house and getting everything ready for me to travel. I knew I wasn’t ready to go but he was there assuring me it would be ok. I was leaving some things behind, pictures of family and friends, but I knew my brother was there and he could pack them up later. My dad got me to the airport and I was on my way.

I awoke eager to get back to the dream. To spend one more day, hour, minute with him. I knew it wasn’t real but the feeling I got from talking to him and experiencing his love “in the flesh” was rejuvenating. My dad wasn’t a perfect man by far, but I know he loved me. What was even more odd, was my younger brother had a dream about dad last night as well.

I don’t try to interpret dreams, I did go through that phase in college but that’s another story, but this one was hard to shake. Previously I wrote about nightmares and how they affected me, but this was different. I wasn’t afraid, or nervous, or anything, I was happy. My wife even said I was in a good mood this morning. Maybe that “time with my dad”, was a gift from God that he knew I needed.

Scripture

• To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. – Daniel 1:17
• “We both had dreams,” they answered, “but there is no one to interpret them.” Then Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams.” – Genesis 40:8
•  When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” – Matthew 2:13

Reflection

The Bible is strewn with dreams and vision. Some are from God, others are from false prophets. I don’t try to interpret my dreams anymore or think there is some deep significance to them.

I know that God has talked to our ancestors from Moses to Daniel to Joseph and the disciples. He protected them, gave them strength, direction, and inspiration. As we see in Genesis, I don’t need someone to interpret my dreams as they are from God.

They say the Lord works in mysterious ways. Maybe what I needed to get out of my funk was “hearing from my dad”. Maybe it was just staying up late and watching time travel shows that did it. What I believe though, is I feel better, I am a bit clearer, and I had a great conversation with my kids about their Grandpa. If that isn’t a gift from God, I don’t know what one is.

Charge

Do you remember your dreams? Have you ever woke up refreshed from a dream and feel the warmth of that dream? Don’t try to interpret it or explain it. Just thank God for his whispers and use that to power your day.

Lord, thank you for letting me talk to my dad. Thank you for the dreams that answer some questions and help me to move forward in my life. Let me be strong in my faith that you are always present in my waking and sleeping life.