by Michele Connell

Created on: February 27, 2009

The Bible is filled with dreams and their interpretations giving us detailed instructions on how to break down and decipher symbolic dreams. Yes, some dreams are direct, and we know exactly what they mean upon waking. However, most are in dark sayings (parabolic form) and require prayer, wisdom and interpretation.

So why do we dream this way? Why can't all dreams be simple and straightforward? Such as the dream of Joseph (Mary's husband) in the New Testament. He was told in a dream to take Mary as his wife; he was told about how the child she carried was conceived, what to name Him and what His great purpose would be. Now that is direct and to the point! Many times I have desired to have an open, completely up front dream, but I have learned that the greater the clarity of our dreams; the greater the cost. In other words, when the Lord chooses to speak direct then it is because you will need this to hold on to as things come about - situations arise.

This is not the case with symbolic dreams. They are more about the search. When Jesus spoke to the people He chose to speak in parables so that, "seeing they would not see and hearing they would not hear." He desired for them to search for the meaning, to understand the why and the how, and in the search gain wisdom and understanding to strengthen their inner man.

It is the same with dreams. As you begin to break down, and decipher, the hidden meanings behind the symbols it helps to bring revelation into where we are spiritually, physically and emotionally. And often we find more on the journey, and in the searching, than we do in the final answer.

Have you ever dreamed that you were drowning? This is a common anxiety dream that speaks of being overcome - overwhelmed in some area of your life. Whether it be on your job, in your family, marriage, children, somewhere you feel a loss of control and feel as if your going under. And that's just the basic interpretation. Other symbols, people and characteristics in your dream will bring further insight into different areas you may be struggling in. So what is the purpose of that dream? To help us to overcome our fears and anxieties and take control of our emotions. To find the Lord's peace in every area - the peace that surpasses all understanding.

At the age of eleven, I began having this recurring dream that someone had broken in through our back door and was attempting to kidnap me. It would move in slow motion as I would wrestle and struggle to get free. When I tried

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