Understanding Dreams: Listening to God’s Design in Your Subconscious
“God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, while they slumber on their beds, then he opens the ears of men and terrifies them with warnings.” – Job 33:14-16
Dreams have long fascinated us. They are one of God’s many remarkable gifts, reminding us of His intricate design of our minds and emotions. Through dreams, we are invited to reflect on our inner lives, explore unresolved concerns, and even draw closer to the Lord as we align our hearts with His truth.
What if the dreams that trouble us, confuse us, or linger in our minds are an opportunity for growth? Let’s explore how understanding dreams—grounded in biblical principles and informed by Joe Griffin’s research—can help us navigate unresolved emotions and draw nearer to the freedom God desires for us.
The Purpose of Dreams in God’s Design
Scripture often portrays dreams as a means through which God communicates (Genesis 37:5-10, Matthew 1:20). While not every dream is a divine message, each dream reflects the marvelous way God created our minds to process life’s emotions. Joe Griffin’s research reveals that dreams serve a crucial purpose: they help us process unresolved emotional tension from our waking hours.
Griffin explains that dreams occur during REM sleep and use symbolic language to “complete” emotional circuits left open during the day. For example, if we go to bed with worries, frustrations, or unmet expectations, our brain seeks to resolve these tensions through dreams. This God-given process not only brings clarity but also frees up our minds for the day ahead.
When Dreams Reflect Unrest in Our Hearts
“Do not let the sun go down on your anger.” – Ephesians 4:26
When we leave emotional concerns unresolved—whether due to fear, worry, or avoidance—they tend to follow us into our dreams. Unaddressed stress or relational tension can show up in recurring dreams or nightmares. This is not a sign of God’s displeasure but a gentle nudge to reflect on what’s troubling us.
Griffin’s work shows that chronic over-dreaming, often caused by ongoing emotional stress, can rob us of restorative sleep and leave us feeling exhausted. This mirrors the toll unresolved emotions take on our spirits and relationships. When we bring these issues into the light of God’s truth, we find the peace and rest He promises (Matthew 11:28-30).
Three Steps to Understanding Dreams Through a Biblical Lens
Ask God for Wisdom
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.” – James 1:5
Before analyzing a dream, invite the Holy Spirit into the process. Dreams often use metaphors and symbols, and it takes prayerful discernment to understand their meaning. Ask yourself, What emotions did I feel during the dream? Do these feelings mirror unresolved concerns in my waking life?
For example, a recurring dream about being lost might reflect anxiety about direction in life. Bringing this before God in prayer opens the door to clarity and peace.
Look for Connections to Waking Life
“The purposes of a person's heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.” – Proverbs 20:5
Dreams reflect our emotional and spiritual state, often mirroring unresolved relational or personal concerns. Pay attention to the feelings in your dream. Do they match any emotions you’re experiencing in waking life?
Seek to Resolve Emotional Loops
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
Dreams often reveal emotional “loops” that need closure. This could mean forgiving someone, setting boundaries, or trusting God in an area where fear or control has taken hold.
For example, Joe Griffin recounts the story of a man plagued by nightmares of a grenade exploding in his mouth. His fears stemmed from worry about speaking poorly in English and being misunderstood. When he received reassurance that his family was safe, the nightmares stopped immediately.
As Christians, we are called to cast our anxieties on the Lord and actively address unresolved concerns with grace and courage. Sometimes this means seeking wisdom from Scripture, praying for courage to face a situation, or finding support through counseling or coaching.
Dreams as Invitations to Grow in Christ
Dreams remind us that God designed us as emotional and spiritual beings. They offer us the opportunity to reflect, grow, and surrender areas of unrest to the Lord. By understanding the purpose of dreams and addressing the concerns they reveal, we can experience the peace and freedom God promises.
If dreams are troubling you, I encourage you to approach them prayerfully. Keep a dream journal, write down any recurring themes or emotions, and ask the Lord for insight. Joe Griffin’s book Dreaming Reality: How Dreaming Keeps Us Sane, or Can Drive Us Mad provides a deeper understanding of how dreams function, offering practical tools to navigate their messages.
Ultimately, our hope and rest are found not in the resolution of every dream but in the One who grants us peace beyond understanding (Philippians 4:7).
May your dreams, whether sweet or challenging, draw you closer to His heart.
