Bug Spray

As I begin this post I want to start with a disclaimer: I am not a dream interpreter. I have, however, received several dreams from my Lord since the first one in 2017. I have listened to godly men and women who studied the Bible and were given the gift of interpreting dreams. Through their wisdom and experience, and with answers from God, I have been able to learn most of what he has communicated to me in the night hours. Many of the dreams our Father has given me I don’t share with you because those messages are for me alone. This one, though, I share to help you along on your journey. As I have learned how to fight spiritual battles, I want to share that knowledge. The strategies I use may work for you. They may save you some heartache and tears. I sincerely hope they do, especially if you have a night as bad as this one!

One day a dear friend of mine experienced the worst nightmare a mother can have. She found her beloved son hanging from the ceiling in his bedroom. Hysterical, she called me and I could barely make out what had happened. As I drove to her house I called 9-1-1, and told the person where I was headed and why. Now, I am not an emergency medical technician (EMT). I am not a firefighter, and I am not a first responder, but I was the first responder on that day. I can only describe the calm and strength I had as coming from my heavenly Father.

I entered my friend’s house and she pulled me to the boy’s room to see if we could take his body down. I could feel the shock setting in as I thought, am I really seeing this? Is this real? With unnatural poise I guided my friend to another room and we knelt. I began to pray for comfort for her. I prayed for the Lord’s overwhelming presence and healing, and I prayed for the easing of her intense pain…I think. Honestly, I can’t remember what I said. I don’t even think I was saying it, really. I knew God had completely taken over my words and actions. When I left her house I went home. As soon as I opened the front door and saw my children, the divine strength I had left me and I embrace them with sobs. I don’t remember the rest of that day. I am glad I was there for my friend. However, I gave satan something he could use against me.

Not long after this event I had a dream, a frightening one. I dreamed I was in my friend’s basement, in my own body, not watching myself as from a distance. The door shut behind me, and I was locked in the furnace room. I felt an adrenaline rush. My heart was pounding. I prayed out loud in my dream, and was reciting Psalms 23 & 27. I reminded the devil, who stood in front of me looking like the boy’s corpse, that I was covered in the blood of the Lamb, and he could not touch me.

Suddenly the dream flashed to me lying in my bed with the same adrenaline rush and heart pounding. I crunched up the yellow legal paper I was holding and threw it toward the bedroom door, repeating that I was covered in the blood of Jesus and was safe. Everything I experienced was in slow motion, and the scene jumped rapidly like I couldn’t control my eye muscles.

Finally I was in my bed, in my own body, slow motion, scene jumping, and I pulled back the covers to find all sorts of black insects. I sprayed them with the bug spray I had in my hand, and kept reciting out loud, in the dream, Psalms 23 and 27. Just remembering this experience now brings back that anxious feeling.

Joyce Meyers wrote in her book, Battlefield of The Mind, that the spiritual battle for us actually takes place in our minds. I have found that to be true. I know my God helped me through the harrowing event of my friend’s son’s death. Still, I now know how much fuel I gave satan to use against me by rushing into a situation I didn’t ask God about first. I have prayed asking the Lord to take away the sting of that experience. When God heals, he does it completely with no lasting effects. I am healed. I am no longer grieving or afraid. That is how I can sleep well at night now, and how I can share this story with you.

            IF I HAD NOT KNOWN the power of the blood of Jesus; if I had not known I was protected by Jesus’ name and adoption; if I had not memorized Psalms 23 and 27, I would not have survived that battle against the devil. I would still be tormented by fear, anxiety, and nightmares. I know this is a long post. I apologize for that. However, Ephesians 6:17 says to take up the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. If we are going to survive a battle, we need our weapons. So I’ve included my weapons below for you to use. Like it or not, believe it or not, we are in a battle. I love you. I don’t want you to be a casualty of war. Fight with me and may our King receive the glory he is due!

I lie down and sleep in peace for you alone, oh Lord, make me dwell in safety. – Psalm 4:8

The LORD Is My Shepherd, Psalm 23 ESV

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He makes me like down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters.

He restores my soul.

He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me;

your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

you anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

The LORD Is My Light and My Salvation, Psalm 27 NIV

The LORD is my light and my salvation-

whom shall I fear?

The LORD is the stronghold of my life-

of whom shall I be afraid?

When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and foes who will stumble and fall.

Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear;

though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.

One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek;

that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.

For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling;

he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.

Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me;

at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;

I will sing and make music to the LORD.

Hear my voice when I call, LORD;

be merciful to me and answer me.

My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”

Your face, LORD I will seek.

Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger;

you have been my helper.

Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior.

Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.

Teach me your way, LORD;

lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.

Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations.

I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

Wait for the LORD;

be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.