Have you ever had a bad dream? One so vivid and terrifying that it woke you up in a cold sweat? We’ve all been there. You may have even wondered why God would allow such nightmares to happen.
There are a few different interpretations of why the Lord lets us have bad dreams. One is that they serve as warnings. Dreams can be our subconscious way of working through our fears and anxieties. By facing them head on in our dreams, we can deal with them in a safe environment and hopefully prevent them from becoming reality.
Another interpretation is that bad dreams are simply a by-product of living in an imperfect world. We all experience pain and suffering, and sometimes that manifests itself in our dreams. It’s not necessarily God’s intention, but it’s something we have to deal with nonetheless.
If you have a bad dream, don’t be afraid to ask the Lord for help. He can clear your thoughts, give you peace of mind, and help you forget your nightmare so you won’t wake up in the middle of the night again. If you still need reassurance, these verses will give you the comfort you need:
Ecclesiastes 5:3 NIV
A dream comes when there are many cares,
and many words mark the speech of a fool.
Psalm 4:8 NIV
In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, Lord,
make me dwell in safety.
John 16:33 NIV
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Proverbs 3:24 NIV
When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
Philippians 4:8 NIV
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.
James 4:7 NIV
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
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.
Ecclesiastes 5:7 NIV
Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore fear God.
Psalm 42:8 NIV
By day the Lord directs his love,
at night his song is with me—
a prayer to the God of my life.
John 14:27 NIV
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.