Nightmares and bad dreams are a common human experience that can cause distress and anxiety. The Bible has a fair amount to say about dreams in general and provides wisdom and comfort regarding how to think about nightmares and bad dreams.
Dreams in the Bible
The Bible records many instances of God speaking to people through dreams. For example, God gave Abraham (Genesis 15:12-16), Jacob (Genesis 28:12-15), Joseph (Genesis 37:5-11), the Pharaoh (Genesis 41:1-32), Solomon (1 Kings 3:5-15), Daniel (Daniel 2:19-23), Joseph the husband of Mary (Matthew 1:20-24), and others messages or visions in their dreams. So dreams could be a medium of divine communication.
However, the Bible also recognizes that not all dreams are from God. Some dreams stem from the human heart and mind processing information and experiences. The prophet Jeremiah warned against false prophets who claimed to have had divine dreams but were actually lying (Jeremiah 23:25-32). The Bible cautions against putting too much stock in dreams and demanding interpretations of dreams not from God (Ecclesiastes 5:7).
Overall, the Bible acknowledges that God may speak through dreams but also recognizes dreams can come from natural human experiences. Discernment is required.
Causes of Nightmares and Bad Dreams
While we sleep, our brains are still active and processing experiences and information. Nightmares and bad dreams can arise from stress, trauma, anxiety, physical pain or discomfort, medication side effects, and simply the brain attempting to sort through daily events.
Scripture affirms our minds are deeply affected by our experiences. Peter wrote, “Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul” (1 Peter 2:11). What we expose our minds to and experience can impact our thoughts and dreams.
Nightmares and bad dreams may also at times have spiritual sources. Scripture warns that our battle ultimately is not physical but spiritual (Ephesians 6:12). The enemy seeks to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10) and pervert what is good. He can influence thoughts and dreams, inducing terror or corrupting with sin.
What to Do When You Have a Nightmare or Bad Dream
When troubled by nightmares or bad dreams, the Bible offers several perspectives and pieces of advice:
- Remember that God is greater than any evil in the world or any fears you experience. As 1 John 4:4 declares, “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” Nothing can ultimately separate you from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39).
- Pray and ask God for comfort, wisdom, help with any stresses triggering nightmares, and protection over your mind. Ask Him to guard your heart and mind (Philippians 4:6-7; see also Psalm 16:7).
- Meditate on good and positive things rather than obsessing over the disturbing dreams (Philippians 4:8).
- Talk through the nightmares with someone you trust to process emotions.
- Make life adjustments if needed to reduce stressors or trauma that could be feeding into dreams.
- Prioritize rest since fatigue tends to exacerbate negative emotions from dreams.
- Evaluate your media intake since violent, frightening, or sexually charged entertainment can influence your subconscious mind.
Though bad dreams can be troubling, do not let them dominate your thoughts. Focus your mind on God’s truth and promises. In time the intensity of the nightmares will fade.
Nightmares and Spiritual Warfare
Disturbing dreams may at times indicate spiritual warfare. Satan can try to inject fear or temptations into dreams. Dreams may reveal strongholds of sin that need to be addressed. However, bad dreams can also simply reflect life stressors.
If dreams seem spiritually oppressive, pray and ask God for help and protection. Quote Scripture in prayer and in your mind when awake. Proclaim promises like Romans 8:31: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Ask others to pray for you as well. Put on spiritual armor including truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God (Ephesians 6:10-18).
Walk in purity and obedience to eliminate any foothold for the enemy. Submit your mind and thoughts to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5; Philippians 4:8). Cleanse your heart and mind through Scripture meditation. As you draw near to God, the spiritual oppression in dreams will fade.
Dreams and the Unconscious Mind
Dreams may reveal unconscious desires, fears, guilt, grief, and wounds. God designed our minds with a subconscious that even when we are awake can influence thoughts and behaviors without our awareness.
Bad dreams may be bringing buried issues to light. We may need to address anger, bitterness, envy, hatred, resentment, disappointment, anxiety, trauma, or other issues manifesting subconsciously.
Take note of emotions prominent in dreams and bring these before God. Ask Him to heal deep wounds and transform the mind by the renewing of the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:2). Yield to Him regularly in prayer. Counseling may also help uncover subconscious issues troubling the mind.
Interpreting Dream Symbolism
Dreams often contain symbolism needing interpretation. In Genesis 40:5-19, Joseph interpreted dreams for Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker, discerning the symbolic meaning behind images of vines, baskets, and birds.
Ask God for discernment to understand any symbolism He may be using to speak to you through dreams. Symbols can be cultural, personal, or biblical. For example, water may symbolize cleansing or the Holy Spirit while snakes may symbolize temptation or the devil.
However, be cautious about putting too much stock in interpreting every detail. God can speak through dream symbolism, but just as often dreams simply reflect the randomness of the human subconscious without divine messages. Focus more on growing your relationship to God than analyzing dreams.
Nightmares from Medication and Medical Causes
Many medications list nightmares as a potential side effect. Brain injuries, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, sleep apnea, and other medical conditions can also induce nightmares. If bad dreams are due to an underlying physical or mental condition, work with your doctor to evaluate medication options or treatment approaches that may reduce frequency and intensity.
Ask God for comfort and patience when dealing with nightmares stemming from health challenges. Understand the dreams are not spiritual signs but rather the result of medical issues He wants to help you through. Bring your fears to Him, trusting in His steadfast love.
Prophetic Dreams and Visions
While most dreams arise from normal subconscious processes, God also reveals truth through divine dreams and visions. Biblical prophets such as Daniel and John received visions often featuring symbolic imagery requiring interpretation.
If a dream seems distinctly supernatural – bringing a strong sense God is speaking or clearly revealing the future – prayerfully examine it. Ask others with spiritual discernment for input. Test it against Scripture and wisdom. Carefully consider if God may be providing guidance, warning, encouragement, or affirmation through the dream.
However, balance such discernment with humility. Avoid quickly insisting God has revealed some great calling or future through a single dream. Be cautious of nightmares or dreams bred out of selfish desires rather than divine truth. Let dreams spur relationship with God more than independent actions.
Conclusion
Nightmares and bad dreams are a common human experience, but Scripture provides wisdom for finding comfort and engaging with God even in the midst of disturbing nights. Discern spiritual oppression, address subconscious issues, and renew the mind with God’s truth. Pray for rest, wisdom, and deliverance from fears. God is bigger than anything the enemy may use to plant anxiety and He cares greatly about your need for rest.
