“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”. – Job 33:14-15 (NKJV).
Isn’t it remarkable that God doesn’t stop speaking just because you’re asleep? Sleep is not a barrier to His leading. Even while you are asleep and unconscious, He can speak to you in dreams and visions. That means, you can go to bed with an expectation to hear from God.
In our anchor text, Elihu revealed that God leads man through dreams and visions, yet he may not know that it’s God speaking. In verse 16-18; he added that through dreams and visions; God can instruct, correct and deliver us from danger. From Genesis to Revelation, we see several examples of God-inspired dreams and visions and God wants you also to experience same (Joel 2:28).
However, not every dream is from God. It’s essential to test what you see against the Word and check for a witness in your spirit. When unsure, turn to prayer. Prayer sharpens discernment and brings clarity.
Sometimes, dreams and visions are not to be taken literally. In Genesis 41:1-7; Pharaoh had two dreams. Though he saw cattle and corn stalks, the dream was indeed about seven years of plenty which was to be followed by seven years of famine (Genesis 41:29-32). Not to worry, the God who gives dreams and visions, can cause you to recall them and also give you the meaning (Genesis 40:8).
It’s also important to understand that dreams and visions are not deterministic or set in stone. Negative dreams and visions are warnings that can be overturned or reversed by prayer. In Genesis 20:3; Abimelech had a dream where God called him “a dead man”, for taking Sarah, but Abraham’s prayer reversed the consequence (Genesis 20:17–18). Even attacks of recurrent nightmares can be ended by prayer. The written word is God’s final verdict for your life. And any dream that doesn’t align with this is to be rejected fervently in prayer.
Dear friend, divine leading is your inheritance as a child of God. So, approach every night with a heart open to heaven’s instructions. God is still speaking, and He can meet you—even in your sleep.
Bible Reading Plan: Job 40-42, 1 Corinthians 5:1-13