This is written as a series of Dream Interpretation Helps concerning dreams from God. I will cover the things that I feel are mandatory for correct dream interpretation and application of the truths revealed in the dream. All scripture references are NASB, unless otherwise noted. Emphases are mine. © 2013, 2022 Elizabeth Elam. All rights reserved.
A LOOK AT JOSEPH’S AND DANIEL’S HUMILITY
We need a humble heart like Joseph and Daniel in the Bible who knew it was only God Who was the real dream interpreter. Listen to Joseph in Genesis 41:15, 16: “Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘I have had a dream, but no one can interpret it and I have heard it said about you, that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.’ Joseph then answered Pharaoh saying, ‘It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.’” Contrast that with so many modern day Christians who often act as if the gift of interpreting dreams (or any of the other Holy Spirit gifts) are ‘owned’ by us. If we take pride in a gift or show it off to impress people about our spirituality, then in our hearts, we are not truly putting God in His proper place as the real dream interpreter and giver of spiritual gifts, with all glory given to Him alone. I am often convicted and challenged by the humility and purity of heart in Joseph and Daniel. I pray to be more like them in my attitude. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are given to build God’s Kingdom, not our own.
Now listen to Daniel’s humility when inquiring to God about Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. The following scriptures are a sampling from Daniel 2:16-30: “Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of Heaven; Daniel said, ‘Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him… He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding. It is HE who reveals the profound and hidden things’… The king said to Daniel, ‘Are you able to make known to me the dream which I have seen and its interpretation?’ Daniel answered before the king and said, ‘As for the mystery about which the king has inquired, neither wise men, conjurers, magicians nor diviners are able to declare it to the king. However, there is a GOD in heaven who reveals mysteries… But as for me, this mystery has not been revealed to me for any wisdom residing in me more than in any other man, but for the purpose of making the interpretation known to the king…’”
A LOOK AT JOSEPH’S AND DANIEL’S HUMILITY
We need a humble heart like Joseph and Daniel in the Bible who knew it was only God Who was the real dream interpreter. Listen to Joseph in Genesis 41:15, 16: “Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘I have had a dream, but no one can interpret it and I have heard it said about you, that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.’ Joseph then answered Pharaoh saying, ‘It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.’” Contrast that with so many modern day Christians who often act as if the gift of interpreting dreams (or any of the other Holy Spirit gifts) are ‘owned’ by us. If we take pride in a gift or show it off to impress people about our spirituality, then in our hearts, we are not truly putting God in His proper place as the real dream interpreter and giver of spiritual gifts, with all glory given to Him alone. I am often convicted and challenged by the humility and purity of heart in Joseph and Daniel. I pray to be more like them in my attitude. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are given to build God’s Kingdom, not our own.
Now listen to Daniel’s humility when inquiring to God about Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. The following scriptures are a sampling from Daniel 2:16-30: “Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of Heaven; Daniel said, ‘Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him… He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding. It is HE who reveals the profound and hidden things’… The king said to Daniel, ‘Are you able to make known to me the dream which I have seen and its interpretation?’ Daniel answered before the king and said, ‘As for the mystery about which the king has inquired, neither wise men, conjurers, magicians nor diviners are able to declare it to the king. However, there is a GOD in heaven who reveals mysteries… But as for me, this mystery has not been revealed to me for any wisdom residing in me more than in any other man, but for the purpose of making the interpretation known to the king…’”
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