Today’s scripture: Matthew 1:18-25 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Brenda Corbello):
I would have loved to have seen Joseph’s face when he woke up from that dream. He went to bed anxious and worried about how he could help this young girl, who I am sure he cared for deeply. He did not want her to be shamed, which would have been disastrous for her, but he could not take her as his wife either, given the circumstances. He must have been so confused.
And that must have been some dream. I can see him now, sitting up startled, in wonder. Was he frightened, or was he exceptionally calm? What is it like to hear a message so clearly from God in your dreams? But the scripture says that Joseph did exactly what God told him to do in the dream. I know from personal experience that it may not have been such an easy decision.
I also have very vivid dreams. When I can remember them in detail, I can gain incredible clarity about things. The real test for me is to spend the time necessary to process what I have dreamed. I have read that when you sleep, your brain, mind, and spirit review and analyze, in its own way, long term, short term, and spirit memory. It kicks around emotions, thoughts, ideas, actions and interactions of your memories. Your mind is also processing spiritual data, your beliefs, whether or not you violated them, and of course, any communication you may receive from God. Although I have to say, I do not always immediately think that it is God speaking to me.
Sometimes the dreams are not very pleasant dreams either. They can be disconcerting. Bits and pieces of things that I am worried about find their way into my dreams in confusing ways. Reading this makes me think that maybe I should pray to let my dreams reveal the answers to some of my concerns. Maybe I have been missing an excellent opportunity to hear God speak to me more clearly, when I may be less distracted by my own thoughts and outside intrusions.
This passage reminds me to have faith that God will lead me in the right direction, if I just listen and trust.
Thought for the day: Today, if there is something that you are confused about, I encourage you to take some quiet time, and listen to what God is telling you. Maybe say a prayer before you go to sleep, to have God reveal the answer in a way that you can understand in your dreams.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.