Interpreting Dreams

And Pharaoh said to Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it; and I have heard it said of you that you can understand a dream and interpret it. Joseph answered Pharaoh, It is not in me; God [not I] will give Pharaoh a [favorable] answer of peace. (Gen 41:15-16 AMP).

The Story
Joseph was one of the twelve sons of Jacob. His brothers sold him to some Ishmaelites who brought him into Egypt. Joseph was later falsely accused of fooling around with the wife of Potiphar (an Egyptian officer of Pharaoh) and hence was sent to jail. While in jail, he was able to interpret the dreams of Pharaoh’s chief butler and baker.

When Pharaoh had a strange dream and no one could interpret it, the butler remembered Joseph. Joseph was brought out of jail. He was able to interpret Pharaoh’s dream with God’s direction.

A dream is a series of mental images and emotions occurring during sleep. Dreams come from the following sources:-
1. God
2. Thoughts
3. What has been watched, seen, heard or listened to.

This post will focus on dreams from God. God has frequently made use of dreams in communicating his will to men. Such dreams are for a purpose and always for good - either a forewarning so that people can act on it, or sending good news.

Modern Application
Most people dream. The value of the dream is in the interpretation because when a dream is appropriately interpreted, the bearer of the message of God can act on it. God is the giver of interpretation (Gen 40:8).

Some ways to develop dream interpretation:
1. Ask God for the interpretation of your dreams
2. Keep a notebook or voice recording of your dream immediately you wake up
3. Over a period of time check your dream pattern
a. Do they come to pass as it is or in reverse (negative dreams end up positive)
b. What do certain things represent e.g. colors, numbers, symbols, etc.

Questions to think on:
1. What kind of dreams do you have?
2. Do you know anyone you could encourage to seek God for interpreting dreams?

Speaking of dreams, whatever dream God has put in your heart, ask Him to show you what to do to make it come to pass.

Remain gifted.