Help! Tormented dreams

ModestMama · #1 08-01-2017, 10:55 AM

I need some spiritual advice. I have a problem (unwanted dreams) I have been suffering from for about 15 years. They don't happen all the time but enough to cause me distress and affects my relationships with certain ppl and the way I view myself at times. I cannot and will not tell the details of these dreams but just know they are utterly awful!! I feel so guilty upon waking up and hate myself from dreaming such awful things. And I feel so helpless becuase i can't control my dreams. I want these dreams to stop! But don't know what to do. I.. am also doing things in my sleep that I am not aware of (husband has seen me do and has told me upon waking) even after he tells me I still have no memory of doing.

Also want to note that in my daily life I do not engage in sinful viewing of any sort.
I was told that there isn't a problem in which the Bible doesn't have an answer... But I have searched and cannot find any issues with being tormented with awful dreams. Can someone guide me?

Bill E Goat · #2 08-01-2017, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ModestMama

I need some spiritual advice. I have a problem (unwanted dreams) I have been suffering from for about 15 years. They don't happen all the time but enough to cause me distress and affects my relationships with certain ppl and the way I view myself at times. I cannot and will not tell the details of these dreams but just know they are utterly awful!! I feel so guilty upon waking up and hate myself from dreaming such awful things. And I feel so helpless becuase i can't control my dreams. I want these dreams to stop! But don't know what to do. I.. am also doing things in my sleep that I am not aware of (husband has seen me do and has told me upon waking) even after he tells me I still have no memory of doing.

Also want to note that in my daily life I do not engage in sinful viewing of any sort.
I was told that there isn't a problem in which the Bible doesn't have an answer... But I have searched and cannot find any issues with being tormented with awful dreams. Can someone guide me?

If its the same dream involving different people.. buts if its the same dream with the same people that may be an issue.

Amanah · #3 08-01-2017, 11:20 AM

Hi ModestMama I will be praying with you and I have a few thoughts

I would recommend memorizing a passage of scripture that you can meditate on and recite while you are falling asleep.

Psalm 4:8
Psalm 3:4-5
Psalm 27:1
Proverbs 3:24
Isaiah 41:13
Philippians 4:6-7
Hebrews 4:16
John 14:27
1 Peter 5:7

Esaias · #4 08-01-2017, 11:42 AM

Regarding guilt: Do not feel guilty unless you are intentionally encouraging that which is wrong. If dreams, thoughts, etc are unwanted, then guilt is not in the picture.

A lot of times our mind gets fixated on something. We don't want that, but we find that the harder we try not to think about something, the more stubborn that unwanted thought seems to become. We do not banish unwanted thoughts by willing them to go away, but by getting our mind focused on something else, other thoughts.

Dreams can be affected by our approach to them. They may indicate something is lacking in our waking life, and the mind overcompensates by dreaming things, then we are shocked at those dreams, then we fret about them, which makes them more of a "big deal" and thus empowers and energizes them, keeping them around. Its a vicious cycle.

What I have found helpful in dealing with undesired states of mind is to simply decide that the thoughts, etc are no longer tolerated. To believe the Word which declares God has given us a SOUND MIND. If a dream occurs that upon waking has you upset, don't fret about it but rather pray about it. And pray confidently and authoritatively that EVERY THOUGHT is now captive to the obedience of Christ.

Even if you don't "feel" like it. Because the Word is Truth, our feelings are transient, but the Word is forever settled. Your situation WILL get conformed to the Word and promises of God. But you have to believe it FIRST, before you see it.

jediwill83 · #5 08-01-2017, 12:16 PM

Sis...it sounds like you are having symptoms of what is called a "Parasomnia" Sleep walking and talking in your sleep would be examples of this.

Look I know you're feeling ashamed and embarrassed but I deal with the same thing and I had to do quite a bit of research on it to figure out what it was.

Its really crazy waking up and hearing about things you did in your sleep that you dont remember. Luckily I have a wife who is very understanding and who has a awesome sense of humor.

There could be many triggers for your symptoms, stress and lack of sleep are some of mine...it causes different parts of the brain to fire off when they shouldnt.

Just dont let the enemy guilt you into feeling like you're a bad person or you're some kinda weirdo ok?

You're not.

Aquila · #6 08-01-2017, 01:40 PM

MM,

My heart goes out to you sister. Things like this can be truly unsettling. You indicated that you've experienced these unwanted dreams for nearly 15 years and that you just want them to stop and that you don't know what to do. I assume that you've prayed about this for some time and that they keep happening.

Everything others have posted above is excellent advice and consideration. But I'm going to go way out on a limb here based on several points in your original post. If I'm wrong, I'm wrong. But if you feel something in your gut about what I'm about to say, please heed your gut.

I was involved in a local deliverance ministry for nearly two years. A few things you mentioned in your post caused me some concern because those things are also signs of spiritual oppression. If it is a spiritual oppression, and you've already prayed and rebuked it and yet it continues, there might be a stronghold to address before it can be permanently removed. Uprooting the stronghold could be as simple as getting rid of an item connected in some way to the occult or an old relationship/lifestyle. Or it could be more complicated. Once the stronghold is removed, the spirit has no anchor and must leave upon command.

Thoughts?

ModestMama · #7 08-01-2017, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amanah

Hi ModestMama I will be praying with you and I have a few thoughts

I would recommend memorizing a passage of scripture that you can meditate on and recite while you are falling asleep.

Psalm 4:8
Psalm 3:4-5
Psalm 27:1
Proverbs 3:24
Isaiah 41:13
Philippians 4:6-7
Hebrews 4:16
John 14:27
1 Peter 5:7

Thank you !! I am writing these down in my journal now!

ModestMama · #8 08-01-2017, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Esaias

Regarding guilt: Do not feel guilty unless you are intentionally encouraging that which is wrong. If dreams, thoughts, etc are unwanted, then guilt is not in the picture.

A lot of times our mind gets fixated on something. We don't want that, but we find that the harder we try not to think about something, the more stubborn that unwanted thought seems to become. We do not banish unwanted thoughts by willing them to go away, but by getting our mind focused on something else, other thoughts.

Dreams can be affected by our approach to them. They may indicate something is lacking in our waking life, and the mind overcompensates by dreaming things, then we are shocked at those dreams, then we fret about them, which makes them more of a "big deal" and thus empowers and energizes them, keeping them around. Its a vicious cycle.

What I have found helpful in dealing with undesired states of mind is to simply decide that the thoughts, etc are no longer tolerated. To believe the Word which declares God has given us a SOUND MIND. If a dream occurs that upon waking has you upset, don't fret about it but rather pray about it. And pray confidently and authoritatively that EVERY THOUGHT is now captive to the obedience of Christ.

Even if you don't "feel" like it. Because the Word is Truth, our feelings are transient, but the Word is forever settled. Your situation WILL get conformed to the Word and promises of God. But you have to believe it FIRST, before you see it.

Oh Praise God! Your words have already strengthen my faith and now feel hope of combating this once and for all. Thank you !

ModestMama · #9 08-01-2017, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jediwill83

Sis...it sounds like you are having symptoms of what is called a "Parasomnia" Sleep walking and talking in your sleep would be examples of this.

Look I know you're feeling ashamed and embarrassed but I deal with the same thing and I had to do quite a bit of research on it to figure out what it was.

Its really crazy waking up and hearing about things you did in your sleep that you dont remember. Luckily I have a wife who is very understanding and who has a awesome sense of humor.

There could be many triggers for your symptoms, stress and lack of sleep are some of mine...it causes different parts of the brain to fire off when they shouldnt.

Just dont let the enemy guilt you into feeling like you're a bad person or you're some kinda weirdo ok?

You're not.

You have hit the nail on the head. That's exactly what I struggle with after these dreams is I feel like a weirdo and like such a horrible person even though I know I it's not my fault. But I do feel hopeful now that I have at least a starting point on conqueries this.

Esaias · #10 08-01-2017, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ModestMama

Oh Praise God! Your words have already strengthen my faith and now feel hope of combating this once and for all. Thank you !

Your welcome. Years ago I battled with a similar situation. Except my dreams happened while I was wide awake, which created some rather unpleasant situations for me to say the least. But through prayer, fasting, and perseverance in the promises of God, my mind was healed. He will do the same for you. Hang in there!

Adding you to my prayer list.