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Maximising the Benefits of Dream Interpretations

Dr. Oladele Johnson is the Lead Pastor of the Jesus Liberation Ministry in Lagos, Nigeria and a contributor to Lifted Magazine. In this article he talks about dreams - how to understand them and make maximum use of them to your advantage as a Chrstian.
Dr. Oladele Johnson

Dreams and visions have long been recognised as mysterious channels of communication, often conveying divine insight, warnings, or guidance. Through interpreting dreams for thousands of people, one critical observation has emerged: dreamers frequently omit essential details that could significantly enhance the interpretation process. This omission is usually due to a lack of understanding of what to observe and record. To truly benefit from interpreting your dreams, it is essential to develop intentional habits that help capture the spiritual and symbolic richness embedded within them. This essay explores practical steps and spiritual guidelines that can help believers extract the full value of their dreams.

Remember Your Dream.The first and most crucial step to dream interpretation is to remember the dream clearly. Upon waking, take immediate steps to recall every aspect—no matter how insignificant it may seem. Keeping a dedicated dream journal is highly recommended. Record specific details such as the setting, people, objects, colours, numbers, and emotions experienced. Also, take note of the timing of the dream—whether it points to the past, present, or future. For instance, dreaming of people from your past or seeing yourself younger may indicate unresolved past events. Conversely, unfamiliar surroundings or unknown faces could signify a future revelation. Additionally, whether you were a participant or a mere observer in the dream can indicate its personal or prophetic relevance.

Identify Symbols and Objects.Symbols and objects in dreams carry layered meanings. Colours, in particular, are rich with spiritual symbolism. Drawing from biblical and cultural references, Red may indicate danger, humanity, or the blood of Jesus. Orange symbolises creativity, joy, and inspiration. Green represents growth, healing, and prosperity. Blue signifies loyalty, truth, and divine freedom. White denotes purity, peace, or angelic presence. Black often implies mystery, mourning, or the unknown.

Being able to interpret these elements correctly requires more than casual observation—it calls for spiritual sensitivity and alignment with Scripture. Resources such as dream dictionaries, especially those aligned with biblical principles like the one at dreamsanswers.com, can offer valuable guidance.

Pay Attention to Animals.Animals are frequent figures in dreams and can bear both positive and negative connotations. Their interpretation depends heavily on their actions and the context of the dream. For example, a lion could symbolise Jesus—the Lion of Judah—or represent danger if it appears aggressive. Cats may suggest spiritual activity, either protective or malicious. Dogs, often symbols of loyalty, can also represent unbelievers in biblical contexts. Recognising these nuances requires discernment and prayerful reflection.

Look Out for Numbers.Numbers in dreams often appear not as digits but as groupings or counts of items. These numbers frequently hold spiritual meanings. A biblical example is Pharaoh’s dream, which Joseph interpreted as seven fat cows followed by seven lean ones, symbolising seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. Numbers like five can signify grace or divine favour. To interpret numbers accurately, consider both their biblical significance and the dream’s overall context.

Focus on Objects of Religious Importance.Some objects carry precise religious meanings. The cross, bread and wine, or a burning bush can symbolise faith, covenant, and divine encounter, respectively. However, even seemingly mundane items, such as apples, coins, or candles, can hold deep symbolic meaning. If any object stands out in your dream, especially one that feels emotionally or spiritually charged, pay attention—it may be conveying a divine message.

Don’t Use a Standard Dream Symbol Dictionary.Believers should approach dream interpretation through the lens of Scripture rather than secular psychology or general symbolism. Many popular dream dictionaries lack spiritual depth and can lead to misinterpretation. For instance, while a standard dictionary may suggest that a goat represents wealth, biblical symbolism often portrays goats as symbols of rebellion or spiritual estrangement. Always weigh symbols against biblical truths and seek interpretation through prayer and scriptural meditation.

Decide if the Dream is Literal or Symbolic.Most dreams are symbolic rather than literal. Dreams often use metaphors, riddles, and parables to convey messages, making dream interpretation a spiritual exercise in discernment. For example, a dream involving death may not mean a physical death—it could signify the end of a season, a relationship, or a spiritual transition. Deciphering whether a dream is literal or symbolic requires prayerful inquiry and attentiveness to context.

Always Ask Yourself: How Did the Dream End? The ending of a dream often provides clues about its purpose. A positive ending may offer assurance or confirmation. At the same time, a troubling conclusion could be a divine prompt to intercede through prayer and vigilance. A dream’s resolution can serve as a spiritual barometer—guiding your subsequent actions or alerting you to unseen dangers.