When Our Dreams Aren’t Sweet

It was the first day of school for me. I walked into school and the principal told me I had to teach History and Math (instead of Spanish). At the same time. In the weight room. To a group of cats. 

This is just one example of the dreams I have during the last week of summer vacation each year. 

So what do we do about dreams? Are they messages sent from “beyond?” Should we ponder the symbolism of the orange cat learning Math from a Spanish teacher while sitting on the bench press? Are we morally responsible for what we dream about? 

These are important questions to consider. While we should not make too much of our dreams by analyzing every element in them, we shouldn’t completely ignore them. A first step to considering dreams can be to keep a log of your dreams. It’s not necessary to record all details, simply record the basic ideas (as much as you can remember). 

Along with the general content of the dream, note what you were doing the evening before. What did you eat? What were you watching/reading/listening to before bed? What were you feeling (anxious, fearful, happy, nervous)? Has anything changed in your routine or circumstances? As you keep record of these details, you may notice recurring patterns or connections. 

It is important to carefully and prayerfully consider what you may be watching, reading, discussing, or listening to.  Proverbs 4:23 reminds us that our hearts are the source of life. This isn’t referring to the organ pumping in our chest, but our inner man. Our hearts are where our thoughts, feelings, deepest desires, and motivations are formed. What we allow to come into our minds will affect what is in our hearts. And then what is in our heart may affect how our minds work while sleeping.  

For example, there were a few months when I was having very dark, violent dreams. I had been watching a particular TV show and because I had been allowing that content into my thoughts while I was awake, my mind then ruminated on those concepts while asleep. After I stopped watching that show, those dreams gradually subsided. 

When we see recurring patterns, we should seriously take a look at our habits, thoughts, and wishes. As it says in Psalm 139:23-24, we can prayerfully consider if there is anything we need to change. If our dreams are the outflow of inappropriate content or sinful desires we have been indulging in while awake, we are responsible to turn away and repent. 

For many people, it can be helpful to eliminate any screen time before bed - including phones and TV. Replacing those habits with listening to or reading Scripture can help settle our mind and heart. Psalm 119 reminds us that our delight is in his Word. Philippians 4:8 offers a list of things that we can think about. As we consider what is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy, our thoughts will be focused on God. 

But we must also be cautious. Dreams are not always the product of a sinful habit that needs to change. We should not be fearful of every dream and spend hours in introspection and dream analysis. A particular food may affect our bodies in a way that disturbs our sleep. Getting an adequate amount of exercise or physical activity during the day can promote sound sleep. Being overtired can also affect our state of mind while sleeping. If we are constantly running from one activity to the next, or overwhelmed with life’s circumstances, we will have troubled sleep. 

It is reassuring to know that we don’t have to turn to a psychoanalyst or take a class on dream interpretation. If our sleep and our dreams are not restful, we can turn to Scripture, prayer, and biblical meditation to give us clarity. It also may be helpful to talk with a trusted friend, a godly mentor, or a biblical counselor. They may be able to offer insight and practical suggestions. 

So back to those intelligent, body-building cats….these dreams are a reflection of the anxieties that I experience each year. Even after 30 years of teaching, I become anxious about the unknown.  I wonder what my students will be like or what new changes the administration has in store. When I wake up from another mind-boggling teaching scenario, I remind myself that no matter who my students are, or what new procedures I will encounter, God is sovereign and has brought these people and circumstances into my life for a reason. I thank God for the strength and wisdom he will give me to face whatever happens. And then I make my family laugh by telling them about my latest crazy dream.