Tackling Bad Dreams As A Believer
Experiencing bad dreams can be unsettling and distressing. Most times, we see these dreams as spiritual battles where negative forces seek to disrupt our faith and peace or as manifestations of anxiety and fear.
Other times, these dreams could be rooted in our everyday anxiety, stress, or unresolved issues that manifest during sleep.
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Subscribe NowBut as believers, when faced with recurring bad dreams, we should start by seeking God in prayer asking for His guidance, protection, and understanding of the dreams’ meaning.
Secondly, we should turn to the Bible for guidance. Verses like Psalm 4:8, “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety,” can provide comfort and assurance.
Thirdly, keeping a dream journal to record our dreams regularly is of good essence as this can help identify patterns and recurring themes.
Fourthly, we can seek spiritual discernment from our pastor or spiritual leader to understand if the dreams have any specific spiritual significance.
How to Respond as a Believer to a bad dream:
- Before sleeping, pray for God’s protection over your mind, heart, and dreams. Ask Him to shield you from any negative influences or spiritual attacks.
- Focus on Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Replace negative thoughts with positive ones before bedtime.
- Choose specific Bible verses that bring comfort and peace. Recite them or meditate on them as you fall asleep.
- If the bad dreams persist or you suspect a spiritual element, seek guidance from your pastor who can provide insights and prayers for deliverance.
- You can also share your struggles with a supportive community of believers who can offer prayers and encouragement during challenging times.
BIBLE VERSES TO PRAY AGAINST BAD DREAMS
- Psalm 4:8 – “In peace, I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
- Psalm 16:7 – “I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.”
- Psalm 91:5-6 – “You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.”
- Psalm 121:3-4 – “He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.”
- Proverbs 3:24 – “When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.”
- Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.”
- Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
- Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
- Isaiah 43:2 – “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
- Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
- Psalm 139:7-8 – “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.”
- 2 Thessalonians 3:3 – “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”
- Psalm 34:17 – “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.”
- Psalm 140:7 – “Sovereign Lord, my strong deliverer, you shield my head on the day of battle.”
- Isaiah 54:17 – “No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord.
- Psalm 91:3 – “Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.”
- Psalm 25:5 – “Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Saviour, and my hope is in you all day long.”
- Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
- Psalm 23:4 – “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
- Matthew 11:28 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
- John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
- Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
- 1 Peter 5:7 – “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
- Romans 8:38-39 – “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
- Lamentations 3:22-23 – “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
- Psalm 3:5 – “I lie down and sleep; I wake again because the Lord sustains me.”
- Psalm 127:2 – “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves.”
- Psalm 3:6 – “I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.”
29.. Psalm 56:3 – “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
- Psalm 27:1 – “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”
Remember that as a believer, we have the assurance that God is with us, even in our dreams. While bad dreams can be unsettling, they do not define our faith or identity.Â
Let us approach them with faith, prayer, and a reliance on God’s protection. Over time, with trust in His guidance, we will find peace and comfort even in the face of troubling dreams.