Dealing With Negative Dreams And Nightmares Series

DEALING WITH NEGATIVE DREAMS AND NIGHTMARES

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Job 33:14-18

"For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man. He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword."

Supporting Texts: Daniel 2:28; Joel 2:28; Matthew 13:25; Isaiah 54:17; 2 Timothy 1:7

INTRODUCTION:

Dreams are one of the ways God communicates with mankind. Through dreams, He reveals mysteries, gives direction, and warns of impending danger. However, not all dreams are divine; some are influenced by demonic forces aiming to instil fear, confusion, and destruction. Nightmares and negative dreams can become spiritual attacks if not properly addressed.

Many believers wake up troubled by disturbing dreams, not knowing what to do about them. Some dreams repeat themselves with the same troubling patterns, leaving the dreamer worried or defeated. It is important to understand how to discern the source of such dreams and how to confront them spiritually.

This teaching will expose the causes of negative dreams, how to respond to them in faith, and how to walk in victory over every evil projection that seeks to operate through your dream life.

1. UNDERSTAND THE NATURE OF DREAMS

Dreams can come from God, the flesh, or the devil.

a) Divine Dreams Bring Instruction.

God often reveals His will or warnings through dreams (Genesis 37:5-11).

b) Fleshly Dreams Are From the Mind.

Anxiety and daily activities can influence our subconscious (Ecclesiastes 5:3).

c) Demonic Dreams Are Strategic Attacks.

The enemy uses dreams to plant fear or curses (Matthew 13:25).

d) Dreams Reflect the Spiritual Realm.

Many things are first manifested in the spirit before the physical (Amos 3:7).

Biblical Example: Pharaoh’s dream warned of famine and required spiritual interpretation (Genesis 41:1-32).

2. DISCERN THE SOURCE OF NEGATIVE DREAMS

Knowing the origin helps determine the response.

a) Check for Patterns.

Repeating dreams may point to spiritual oppression (Job 7:13-14).

b) Examine Your Spiritual Life.

Sin, fear, or negligence can open doors to demonic interference (Ephesians 4:27).

c) Be Sensitive to the Holy Spirit.

He gives discernment and peace in interpreting dreams (1 Corinthians 2:10-12).

d) Weigh Against Scripture.

Any dream that contradicts God’s Word is not from Him (Isaiah 8:20).

Biblical Example: Nebuchadnezzar’s troubling dream was from God, but required divine interpretation (Daniel 2:1-19).

3. RESPONDING TO NEGATIVE DREAMS PROPERLY

Do not ignore or panic—respond in the spirit.

a) Cancel It in Prayer.

Reject and nullify evil dreams immediately (Matthew 18:18).

b) Cover Yourself With the Blood.

Apply the blood of Jesus over your life and sleep (Revelation 12:11).

c) Speak the Word of God.

Declare victory and promises over fear and threats (Isaiah 54:17).

d) Fast and Pray if Necessary.

Prolonged negative dreams may require spiritual warfare (Mark 9:29).

Biblical Example: Joseph fled with Mary and Jesus after an angel warned him in a dream, saving the child from danger (Matthew 2:13).

4. SECURE YOUR DREAM LIFE DAILY

Proactive steps prevent dream attacks.

a) Pray Before Sleeping.

Commit your sleep and mind to God (Psalm 4:8).

b) Play Worship or Scriptures.

Saturate your atmosphere with God’s presence (Psalm 91:1-2).

c) Avoid Unclean Content.

What you feed your mind affects your spirit (Philippians 4:8).

d) Put on the Armour of God.

Be spiritually dressed even in your sleep (Ephesians 6:11).

Biblical Example: The wise men were divinely warned in a dream not to return to Herod (Matthew 2:12).

5. WALK IN AUTHORITY OVER DREAMS

You are not a victim—exercise dominion in Christ.

a) Jesus Has Given You Power.

Use your authority to silence the enemy (Luke 10:19).

b) Reject the Spirit of Fear.

Fear empowers the enemy’s agenda (2 Timothy 1:7).

c) Replace Fear With Faith.

Declare God’s truth and promises in the face of dreams (Romans 10:17).

d) Be Bold in Spiritual Warfare.

Confront evil dreams head-on with prayer and fasting (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).

Biblical Example: Paul had visions from God, but also faced opposition in dreams, yet overcame through faith (Acts 16:9-10).

CONCLUSION:

Negative dreams and nightmares are not to be feared, but confronted with spiritual authority. God desires to speak to His children through dreams, but the enemy also tries to manipulate the dream realm. Recognising the source and responding with prayer, Scripture, and spiritual discipline can protect and preserve your life.

As you grow in spiritual maturity, you can overcome every dream-based attack and walk in peace, victory, and divine revelation. May your dream life become a channel of blessing, not torment.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Father, sanctify my dream life with Your presence.

2. I cancel every negative dream assigned to harm me.

3. Lord, open my spiritual understanding to interpret dreams.

4. I break every covenant established through evil dreams.

5. I declare that my sleep shall be sweet and peaceful.