Day 6: Joseph's Dream Life (God Speaks)

My Dream Life

Did you know that approximately 12% of people dream in black + white?

I love dreaming. I wake up, recalling my dreams so often that I actually keep a tab in my Notes app on my phone, and I record any dreams I have that felt significant or like God was speaking to me through them. (Hint: if you want more dreams, can I suggest doing a similar thing and recording the dreams you have? As we steward something, often it multiplies or God entrusts us with more.)

Joseph's Dreams

God appeared to Joseph, husband of Mary, multiple times. And the times that are recorded are significant.

The first dream recorded is when Joseph found out his betrothed, Mary, was pregnant, and (as according to the Law) was intending on sending her away instead of marrying her. But the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him that Mary was carrying the Christ, revealed what Jesus' name was to be, and told him not to be afraid to marry Mary. (Mt 1:20-21)

In that moment, Joseph had to prize relationship with God over the Law. The Law said that he should stone/disown Mary, but the Lord said what was happening was a miracle, was His, and to still marry Mary.

In the second recorded dream of Joseph, God warns Joseph to take Mary and Jesus and flee to Egypt, because King Herod will try to kill baby Jesus. (Mt 2:13-15) The scripture says that Joseph "rose and took the child and his mother by night, and departed to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod." (Mt 2:14-15a) Joseph didn't hesitate - he immediately did as God had told him and saved the life of Jesus.

In Joseph's third and fourth recorded dreams, an angel of the Lord appeared in Joseph's dream and told Joseph it was safe to take Jesus and Mary back to Israel, and then again to tell him to settle in the district of Galilee.

Joseph's obedience to God as He spoke through dreams led to rescue, safety, and the fulfilment of prophecies.

Your Life Today

Here are two points I want us to take away from Joseph's relationship with God:

1. Don't hesitate when you hear God speak. Be as quick as you can to respond when you feel a prompting from God, whether it's through something you hear, see, feel, or understand. If God asks you to talk to a stranger, talk. If God tells you to send someone a message encouraging them or checking in, send it. If God asks you to do something radical, like quit your job or move cities, listen! You have no idea what God is arranging or protecting you from.
2. God speaks in all kinds of ways, including dreams. Start paying attention to the different ways God could be speaking. If we look at scripture, we see God speaking and moving through all different ways, from dreams to donkeys. Sometimes it's a still, quiet voice (1 Kgs 19:11-13) and sometimes His presence is in a big voice from the clouds (Mk 9:7). Often we try to limit the way God speaks or moves to what we are comfortable with, or have already experienced. But God can do anything He wants! Be open to hearing Him in a new way in this season. If you normally pray through worship music, try silence. If you normally stand in worship, try kneeling. If you normally journal, try creating through art.

He loves you and has something to say to you! 📣