Vision and Dreams
Have you ever felt God tug at your attention in an inexplicable way? Maybe through a picture, a phrase, or a dream refusing to leave you alone. I think heaven speaks more often than we realize.
The Lord often speaks in ways our eyes cannot see. Sometimes it comes as a lingering whisper, sometimes as an unfading image. Long before we called them visions or dreams, they were simply heaven’s way of reaching toward the heart of man.
As we walk deeper into this journey of being truly enchanted by the Lord Jesus, I want to pause and share something about the word vision. It is one of those words appearing simple until you stand still long enough for the Spirit to breathe upon it.
In Acts 2:17–18, when the Holy Spirit was poured out, one of the signs promised to every believer was the gift of visions and dreams. Peter quoted the prophet Joel, saying sons and daughters would prophesy, young men would see visions, and old men would dream dreams. The promise was not poetry; it was the living rhythm of Spirit-filled life.
The Promise of Encounter
Visions and dreams are not rare privileges for the few; they are part every believer’s inheritance.
In Scripture, these moments describe God’s presence drawing close until the unseen becomes visible. They arrive quietly, sometimes while eyes are closed in prayer, sometimes in the stillness of sleep, sometimes in the hush between waking and resting when your spirit listens most easily.
Jesus longs to reveal Himself to His people. He said, “He who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him” (John 14:21). To manifest means to appear, to make visible. Revelation is His nature.
When I hear believers share moments of encountering Jesus or seeing into the spiritual realm, my heart stirs with holy longing. Perhaps yours does too. These stories are invitations, not exceptions. They awaken desire, and desire reaches toward faith.
When faith answers, heaven draws near. The air around us changes. What felt distant begins to breathe within you.
Visions and Dreams Through Scripture
From Genesis to Revelation, God speaks in images and dreams.
He showed Abraham the stars to confirm His promise (Genesis 15:1–6).
He gave Jacob a dream of a ladder stretching to heaven (Genesis 28:12).
Joseph saw sheaves and stars bowing before him (Genesis 37:5–9).
Daniel saw kingdoms rise and fall.
The Magi were warned in a dream to return home another way.
Each story begins with a picture, and every picture carries purpose.
When Peter preached at Pentecost, he reminded the Church these encounters had not ended. The Spirit who once moved upon the prophets now rests within believers. The same breath which parted heaven for them still stirs within us.
Why Age Matters in the Promise of Visions and Dreams
One day while praying, I asked why the Bible links visions with the young and dreams with the old. In the quiet, I sensed the Lord say, “Dreams require wisdom, and wisdom often walks beside age.”
Visions come quickly, bright and urgent, stirring action. Dreams unfold slowly, layered like pages of a book needing patience to read.
Both are sacred gifts. A church with only vision burns fast but fades. A church with only dreams forgets how to move. The Spirit gives both so the body of Christ can see clearly and walk steadily.
The Desire of the Spirit
As a believer you carry the same Spirit who gives visions and dreams. The question is not whether He will speak, but whether you are listening.
Numbers 12:6 records God saying, “If there is a prophet among you, I, the Lord, make Myself known to him in a vision; I speak to him in a dream.”
This reveals God’s eagerness to be known. The same voice that spoke to the prophets now whispers within your heart.
We often imagine visions are for extraordinary saints, but God delights to meet anyone who hungers for Him. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8).
Purity is not perfection; it is undivided love. The more your affection leans toward Him, the clearer your sight becomes.
Awakening the Eyes of the Heart
You do not need to chase experiences or imitate others. Begin by noticing things around you.
Pause often in your day and breathe. Speak His name quietly. Let Scripture rest in your mouth and in your thoughts.
Keep a small notebook beside your bed or prayer chair. Write down the things which stay with you, a word, a feeling, an image, a dream. Revelation often grows in fragments, blooming when the time is right.
When something lingers, weigh it against Scripture. The Spirit never contradicts the Word. Use resources such as Bible Gateway or Orthodox Study Bible commentary to compare what you sense with what God has revealed.
If you remain unsure, seek counsel from mature believers. Discernment is a shared grace.
Paul prayed that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened (Ephesians 1:18). Those eyes are spiritual, made to see the invisible. When they open, you begin noticing God’s fingerprints everywhere, in Scripture, in creation, in people, in dreams.
When Heaven Speaks in Symbols
Dreams often come clothed in symbols and stories. They may borrow from your daily life, emotions, or memories, but beneath the surface runs a divine whisper.
Understanding them takes humility more than intelligence. Daniel said, “There is a God in heaven who reveals secrets” (Daniel 2:28). Every secret God shares is meant to draw you closer to Him.
When you receive a dream, ask what it says about God’s heart rather than what it predicts about your future. Revelation is not a fortune but a friendship. It draws you into prayer and worship.
A Heart Prepared for Encounter
Creating space for divine vision does not require a mountain. It begins in stillness of your own heart.
Turn down the noise. Step away from the glow of screens. Sit quietly before the Lord and read a psalm such as Psalm 63 aloud. Let the words wash over you until the room feels different, lighter, calmer, alive.
Ask the Holy Spirit to speak when and how He chooses. Sometimes He answers with a gentle knowing, other times with a vivid picture. Both are gifts.
If you hunger for more, say so. God listens to honest hearts. Ask Him for visions and dreams, not as proof of spirituality, but as expressions of love. Whisper, “Lord, I want to know You more. Show me Your heart.” Desire itself is worship.
Living Awake
When heaven begins to speak through pictures and parables, life shifts. The ordinary becomes luminous.
The sunrise feels like a sermon. The quiet nudge during prayer becomes a conversation. You start to live awake, aware of both earth and heaven.
Visions and dreams are not rewards for effort but signs of relationship. You already belong to the One who loves to reveal Himself.
Keep your heart soft, your mind focused, and your eyes inward. The same Spirit who hovered over creation hovers over you now, waiting to bring light into view.
Before you go, stay connected. Subscribe for weekly reflections that keep your heart open to His voice and your spirit awake to His presence. Together, we can continue walking in wonder as the Holy Spirit leads us deeper into the mysteries of God.
You may still have questions stirring in your heart. Below are reflections to help you understand visions and dreams more deeply, discern their meaning, and walk with confidence as you listen for His voice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are visions and dreams still for today?
Yes. The promise did not end with the early Church. In Acts 2:17–18, Peter quoted Joel saying the Spirit would be poured out on all flesh.
Throughout history, believers have continued to encounter God through dreams and visions. These moments remind us that heaven still speaks to hearts listening for Him.
Not every dream carries divine meaning, but the Spirit continues speaking in ways awakening faith and intimacy. Keep your heart open and your mind rooted in Scripture so you can recognize when God draws near.
How do I know if a vision or dream is from God?
Peace is the first clue. The Spirit never brings fear or confusion. His voice carries love and clarity.
Every true revelation aligns with Scripture and exalts Christ. When something you see in prayer or dream stirs humility or worship, it bears His mark. When it feeds pride or anxiety, pause and pray.
Read 1 John 4:1 and Philippians 4:7. Ask for confirmation. Often, peace deepens or Scripture echoes what He is saying.
The Holy Spirit is your teacher. He never contradicts the written Word.
What should I do after having a dream or vision?
Write it down. Even brief notes preserve details you may forget.
Pray through what you saw and ask God to reveal His meaning in His time. Revelation often unfolds slowly.
Use Bible Gateway or other resources to trace themes and Scriptures connected to what you experienced. If the dream feels weighty or directional, share it with a trusted believer. Together, seek wisdom and understanding.
Remember, revelation is relational. God speaks to draw you closer, not to satisfy curiosity.
Why do some people see visions easily while others do not?
God relates uniquely to every heart. Some believers are more visual, others hear or sense impressions. None of these expressions are better; they are different dialects of the same Spirit.
The key is desire. Matthew 7:7 invites us to ask, seek, and knock. The Lord delights in responding to those who reach for Him.
Spend quiet time in Scripture and prayer. Revelation grows where faith and consistency meet. Whether He speaks through image, word, or peace, each is a doorway into friendship with Him.
Can I pray for visions and dreams?
Yes. 1 Corinthians 14:1 urges believers to desire spiritual gifts. God loves when His children long to know Him more.
Ask for encounters revealing His heart rather than spectacular experiences. Say, “Lord, speak in the way You choose.” Keep your motives grounded in love.
Over time, you may notice how His presence begins to move through dreams, pictures, or impressions. However He speaks, His purpose is always deeper communion.
Do I need to tell others when I have a vision or dream?
Not always. Some revelations are private, meant only for personal growth or comfort. Others carry a message for prayer or ministry.
Ask the Holy Spirit before sharing. “A wise heart keeps knowledge to itself” (Proverbs 12:23).
When you do speak, choose humility and care. Revelation which truly comes from God never manipulates or pressures; it releases peace. God trusts those who guard His secrets with reverence
If you felt the hush of recognition, share it with a friend and widen the circle.
To keep the flame going, please buy me a candle 🙏🏻
You hold the key to another heart. Share it and unlock what waits inside.
Let’s stay connected and journey through the kingdom together! 🌸
I’m Yvonne van Wyk, a Christian author, Bible teacher, and business owner. Through God Enchantment, I explore how faith meets wonder and how Scripture comes alive in everyday life. I also serve as CEO of SA Golden Homes and founded Zahavah Studio, an SEO and content writing company. My heart is to reveal the beauty of God’s presence in both work and worship.
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