What's In a Dream?

 Last night, I dreamed of a small room I'd never seen before. The walls are painted white. There is a gold-framed painting hanging on one of them. I can't make out what the picture is exactly except that it seems to be a flowery landscape.

I sensed there were demons in the room--dark spirits without bodies. I never actually saw them with my eyes. They were heckling me, aggressive and taunting. I could feel the panic beginning in my chest. I did the only thing my mind found when frantically searching--I sang praises to Jesus. I claimed I was His. I belong to Christ. I kept saying His name. I could feel that the darkness did not like it, and felt it shrinking back. The name of Jesus is very powerful. I don't remember the dream's ending, and I don't know what actually happened after I praised and claimed Jesus. 

It's not often I have dreams like this. But they always encourage my heart. Seems funny to say that. But it's true. I'm comforted that my first response is to reach out to God when trouble comes like that. He really is the only One who can help in every circumstance at any given time and place--even in a dream.

I once dreamed of being burned at the stake like those accused of witchcraft in the Salem Witch Trials. I was tied to a post because I refused to renounce Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I remember it being at night in a clearing with high bushes (or low trees?). The end of the dream included them lighting the wood around my feet and my singing His praises. When I awoke from the dream I recall being so relieved. Not because the dream was over, but that I never gave in to the temptation. I am willing to die for my Jesus.