No, I’m not talking about your dream to fly to Mars. Maybe your dream is to build a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains and spend your days watching the leaves change colors. I’m not talking of that dream either.
Instead, I’m talking about the dreams that make you wake up in a cold sweat in the middle of the night. The dreams that might wake you up with a smile, or even those that make you scratch your head wondering where some of your thoughts come from.
I’m no expert on dreams – no expert on anything really – but I did have a somewhat odd dream the other night and today saw something in Ecclesiastes that made me stop and smile.
Ecclesiastes 5:3 For a dream comes through much activity,
And a fool’s voice is known by his many words.
These words come in the middle of Solomon’s admonition on speaking rashly. The correlation seems clear; a tumultuous mind leads to dreams. As I think about this I am reminded of an athletic illustration.
As a kid I wanted the inglorious job of holding the football chains during a game. You were always near every play and you had an opportunity for interaction in the game that the other fans did not have. I don’t remember who the first person was that passed on to me vital information about handling the down marker and chains although it was probably my dad. However, the words I’ve heard repeated over the years and as an adult I’ve used them with kids myself; “You are part of the game. Don’t fall asleep over here. If you do you might get run over.” The necessary truth is that although I was considered an observer by the players on the field my proximity to the field made it very probable that I would become directly involved in the play of the game at some point and time.
Now, think about your dreams. You may not be intentionally stirring your mind. I know I wasn’t Monday night when my dream woke me at 4AM, but I certainly was standing near the field. The thoughts that upset my mind that night weren’t foreign and they became real in my dream.
There is comfort. It’s found in the matchless grace of Jesus. The Jesus who said, “Come unto me all that are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me for my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:29-30
If the dreams are unwanted look at your “busyness” that may lead you into such things. If the dreams are upsetting – pray. Pray to the One who says He will hear when we call on Him. If you feel the dreams are unwarranted then check again how close you are to the field.
Seek Understanding 