What Does The Bible Say About Loved Ones Visiting Us In Dreams?
Christians often look to the Bible for guidance in all aspects of their lives, including when it comes to understanding dreams. While there is no definitive answer about whether or not loved ones can visit us in our dreams, there are a few passages that offer some insight into this topic. For those who believe, that dreams can be a powerful way to connect with loved ones who are no longer with us in physical form, let’s explore what the Bible says about loved ones visiting us in our dreams.
What the Bible Says About Dreams in General
Dreams have been a topic of fascination and speculation since the beginning of time. The Bible is no exception, and it contains several references to dreams and their interpretation.
“For God may speak in one way, or in another, Yet man does not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, When deep sleep falls upon men, While slumbering on their beds, Then He opens the ears of men, And seals their instruction.” Job 33:14-16 (NKJV)
This verse tells us that God can communicate with us through our dreams. He often uses dreams to reveal things to us that we would not otherwise know.
In Numbers 12:6, the Lord speaks to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam about communicating in dreams.
And he said, “Hear my words: If there is a prophet among you, I the Lord make myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream. Not so with my servant Moses. He is faithful in all my house. With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles, and he beholds the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” Numbers 12:6-8 (ESV)
Here we see that God spoke to Moses differently compared to other prophets. He spoke to Moses directly but would communicate with other prophets through dreams.
In 1 Kings 3:5-15, God gives Solomon wisdom in a dream. In Acts 2:17, Peter learns about the coming of the Holy Spirit and that people will experience it through visions and dreams.
Dreams can be a way for God to communicate with us, and they can contain important information about our lives and our future. As we navigate our own dreams, we would do well to heed the wisdom of the Bible.
Example of Loved Ones Appearing in Dreams in the Bible
Dreams involving loved ones can be interpreted in many ways depending on the context of the dream and the relationship between the dreamer and the person who appears in the dream. However, some common interpretations include that the dreamer is missing the person who appears in the dream, or that the dream is a way for the dreamer to connect with their loved ones who have passed away.
There is no specific mention in the Bible of loved ones visiting us in our dreams. However, there are a few passages that could be interpreted to mean that this does happen. In Genesis 37, Joseph has a dream in which his brothers bow down to him. This dream comes true when Joseph’s brothers later come to Egypt and bow down to him (Genesis 42:6).
Although there is no scripture on deceased loved ones communicating to the living through dreams, the Bible explicitly states not to try to communicate with the dead through mediums.
“or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead.” Deuteronomy 18:11 (NIV)
While we can’t say for sure if our loved ones visit us in our dreams, it is certainly a comforting thought to consider. And, even if they don’t, we can take solace in the fact that God Himself can communicate with us through our dreams.
Do Angels Appear In Dreams In The Bible?
Angels are divine beings who appear in dreams to offer guidance from God. In the Bible, there are numerous examples of angels appearing in people’s dreams.
“And he dreamed, and behold, there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it!” Genesis 28:12 (ESV)
In this verse, we see that Jacob dreamed of a ladder reaching from earth to heaven, with angels going up and down it. This dream was given to Jacob by God as a sign that He was with him and would protect and bless him.
And, of course, Joseph was visited by an angel in a dream to let him know that Mary, his betrothed, was pregnant with the Messiah,
“As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 1:20 (NLT)
This dream was given to Joseph by God to let him know that Mary was telling the truth and that he should take her as his wife.
What These Types of Dreams May Mean
When you dream about a loved one, it is often interpreted as a sign that you are missing them. This may be especially true if the person who appears in your dream is someone who you have not seen in a while, or if they are deceased. Dreams involving loved ones can also be interpreted as a way for you to connect with your loved ones who have passed away. In some cases, these dreams may be a way for you to say goodbye to a loved one who has died.
Tips for Deciphering the Meaning of Your Dreams
There are a few things you can do to try and decipher the meaning of your dreams involving loved ones. First, consider the context of the dream and your relationship with the person who appears in it. If you are close to the person in real life, likely, the dream is simply a reflection of your missing them. However, if you are not close to the person or if they are deceased, the dream may be trying to tell you something more.
Another thing to consider is the emotions you felt in the dream. Were you happy to see the person, or were you feeling sad or scared? The emotions you feel in the dream can be just as important as the person who appears in it when trying to interpret its meaning.
If you are having trouble deciphering the meaning of your dream, you may want to try keeping a dream journal. Write down as much detail about the dream as you can remember, including who appears in it, what happens, and how you feel. This can help you to notice patterns in your dreams that may give you clues about their meaning.
You can also share your dreams with a trusted friend or family member and ask for their interpretation. Keep in mind that there is no one right interpretation of a dream, so trust your gut when trying to figure out what yours means.
Prayers for Guidance About a Loved One’s Appearance in a Dream
Here are two prayer examples to guide you if you’re seeking clarity about a loved one’s appearance in your dream. Alter the prayer to fit your specific situation and dream.
Dear God,
I am seeking your guidance about a dream I had involving a loved one. In the dream, I saw ____ and we were ____. I felt ____ in the dream. Please help me to interpret this dream and to understand what it may be trying to tell me. Thank you for your wisdom and guidance. Amen.
Dear God,
I am seeking your guidance about a dream I had involving my deceased father. In the dream, he was alive and we were talking. I felt happy to see him but also very sad that he was gone. Please help me to interpret this dream and to understand what it may be trying to tell me. Thank you for your wisdom and guidance. Amen.
Conclusion
Dreams involving loved ones can be interpreted in many ways, depending on the context of the dream and the dreamer’s personal experiences. The Bible does not give a definitive interpretation of such dreams, but it does offer some principles that can help understand their meaning. When trying to figure out what a dream involving a loved one means, consider the person’s relationship to the dreamer, the emotions felt in the dream and any other symbols that appear in it. Prayerfully seek guidance from God, and trust your gut when trying to interpret the dream.
