What Can We Learn from Our Dreams?

Editor's Note: Pastor Roger Barrier's "Ask Roger" column regularly appears at Preach It, Teach It. Every week at Crosswalk, Dr. Barrier puts nearly 40 years of experience in the pastorate to work answering questions of doctrine or practice for laypeople, or giving advice on church leadership issues. Email him your questions at roger@preachitteachit.org.

Dear Reader,

In my “Ask Roger” role, you might be surprised by how many angelic/demonic, Jesus/Satan dreams that people share with me—about one of every 20 emails!

The description of the dreams, as well as the dreamer, often sound strange. However, I’ve concluded that many dreamers are “normal” people who have simply experienced an unusual, confusing, or disturbing dream… you probably have too!

Dreamers usually ask me to help interpret their dream. I always politely decline. After all, I’m not Joseph or Daniel or another prophet. 

You also need to know that I don’t believe that any of these dreams are supernatural in origin. But if we look in the right places, biblical insight and guidance are there to help.

So let me share one of my most recent dream emails with you today. 

Hi Roger,

I just had a weird dream about God taking me by the hand and sending me into a building to call out Satan, who was a priest preaching to people.

When I opened my mouth to call out Satan, I was speaking words I didn’t—and still don’t understand. But when I spoke, everything around me was shaking. 

Then a priest joined me, scared as can be. I spoke to him in the same language I didn’t understand. I heard God telling me to observe and be quiet. God spoke to this priest while He cut off his feet calmly and then ask me to look to the sky. 

God instructed me to read Revelation. Then His voice became soft in the distance, and I heard him say, “Listen to the bells.” I woke up to the bell sound of my phone’s alarm.

Can you perhaps tell me what this means?

Regards, RBB

Dear RBB,

I’m sorry, but I cannot interpret your dream. Nevertheless, when I read your dream, I noticed several spiritual principles that may help.

First, a blessing is in store for all who long for the Second Coming. 

Your dream, in some ways, pictures the Second Coming. Perhaps that’s because it’s on your heart or in your thoughts… and that’s a positive thing in God’s eyes.

“Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Thessalonians 4:8).

Next, God promises a blessing to those who read and study the Book of Revelation. 

I would encourage you to dive into the Book of Revelation starting today. There are several excellent Bible studies and commentaries that would supplement your study. And I know that you will be blessed by the truth!

“Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.” (Revelation 22:7)

As believers, we have authority over Satan. 

Your dream seems to show that you understand this principle and are not afraid to act according to it. That’s great, because I hope you cultivate that understanding, so that you recognize the acts of the Evil One and stand against them.

“Be Still And Know That I Am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

In the midst of spiritual battle, watch out for satanic deception. 

Satan can be disguised with false religion and false teaching. After all, he is called the “angel of light.” Carefully watch, wait, and pray. Always.

“But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:3)

It’s always good to look to the heavens for help.

When you encounter frightening, discouraging, or uncertain situations, I always turn first to heaven. That includes fervent prayer, setting my mind on heavenly things through memorizing Bible verses, and focusing on His work in my life.

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence comes my help. My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2)

Pray before sleeping, and ask the Holy Spirit to protect your mind and heart as you sleep.

It’s very easy to fill your mind with all kinds of worries, fears, and negative things before bed. Sometimes TV, social media, or other activities can get you worked up. I would recommend that you take a few minutes before bed to pray and read some Scripture. You will calm your mind and heart… and the Holy Spirit will protect you always.

“‘Does Job fear God for nothing?’ Satan replied. ‘Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has?’” (Job 1:9)

“Commune with your own hearts on your beds, and be silent.” (Psalm 4:4)

Dear Reader, when you think about it, maybe our dreams do have purpose… bringing our attention to biblical truth.

Sincerely, Roger

Dr. Roger Barrier retired as senior teaching pastor from Casas Church in Tucson, Arizona. In addition to being an author and sought-after conference speaker, Roger has mentored or taught thousands of pastors, missionaries, and Christian leaders worldwide. Casas Church, where Roger served throughout his thirty-five-year career, is a megachurch known for a well-integrated, multi-generational ministry. The value of including new generations is deeply ingrained throughout Casas to help the church move strongly right through the twenty-first century and beyond. Dr. Barrier holds degrees from Baylor University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Golden Gate Seminary in Greek, religion, theology, and pastoral care. His popular book, Listening to the Voice of God, published by Bethany House, is in its second printing and is available in Thai and Portuguese. His latest work is, Got Guts? Get Godly! Pray the Prayer God Guarantees to Answer, from Xulon Press. Roger can be found blogging at Preach It, Teach It, the pastoral teaching site founded with his wife, Dr. Julie Barrier.

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