Bishop Keith Butler
Jun 13
But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. (Matthew 1:20-21)
Dreams are one way God speaks to us. They are also a way the enemy tries to attack us. The devil uses demons to bring nightmares, like God uses angels to bring dreams.
Nightmares fill a mind with fear and prevent a person from getting restful sleep. When someone lacks proper rest, their body is susceptible to illness. They often become irritable and have difficulty hearing from God.
God uses angels to help you hear what He is saying, as He did with Joseph in Matthew 1:20-21. Joseph was confused and full of doubt about Mary’s pregnancy. But during that struggle, God sent an angel in a dream to encourage him, direct him, and fill Joseph with faith that God had a plan. The angel told Joseph to take Mary as his wife because what she told him about the child in her womb was true.
Joseph was attentive to what God was saying. He was also quick to obey when he heard a word from one of God’s messengers. Later, an angel appeared to Joseph telling them to get out of Bethlehem and move to Egypt to protect the infant Jesus from Herod’s terrible slaughter of the innocents.
Joseph didn’t have the Holy Ghost inside to lead him, so God used dreams to give him direction. While the Holy Ghost should primarily lead believers, God can also speak to them through dreams. He can use angels to protect your dreams and even to declare some things that you need to know.
Before you go to bed at night, ask the Lord to give you dreams that give revelation, information, or peace. Be led by the Spirit and be open to God-given dreams.