Scary Dream Meaning

Firstly, scary dreams in spiritual terms means we are being shifted spiritually, and I want to be upfront about this.

Yes, I know what it feels like waking up in the dark in a panic-stricken state for the fear. I've learned over the years what scripture teaches about dreams, researched how other faith traditions approach dreams, and I write this to describe what I believe, how I've come to this perspective, and where I think we have to exercise caution.

What does that scary dream mean?

As I understand it, a scary dream is your soul trying to tell you something. Something wants your attention. Scary dreams generally seem to have three sources that I've seen:

• Any stress that we carry and bury during the day often appears in our sleep, which is why we know things tend to repeat themselves. We can fool other people, but we can't fool sleep. 
• A warning. Sometimes we can be warned about something important in life.
• Spirit pressure. I think there is normally just a feeling that as soon as we're going towards some kind of breakthrough, so I often see scary dreams happen at this point.

What is the biblical meaning of a scary dream?

When we look at the bible, Nebuchadnezzar says that a dream troubled him (Daniel 4:5). I interpret that dream as God's calling to be kind. When Pilate's wife had a dream about Jesus and told him to keep away from the trial (Matthew 27:19). Job cried out that God scared him with dreams and visions (Job 7:14).

So my feeling is that in the Bible, scary dreams usually preceded God doing something good after a difficult time. Any dream that is scary and full of confusion and purposeless torment. (I hold on to) 2 Timothy 1:7 - God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but the spirit of love, and of a sound mind.

Some dreams are simply the body and mind: A late meal, a stressful week, a scary movie or simply not sleeping enough. I don't believe everything is a prophecy and I think that's unhealthy.

So the simple test: does it move me toward God or from God?

These a few types of dreams people tell me about and how I personally understand them. Just think of these as reflections, not the only way you should understand things.

• Snakes: In scripture the serpent is a symbol of deception, and therefore I see this as an appeal to discernment of people and voices that surround you. 
• Being chased: I get a sense this is usually something that you are avoiding: a conversation, some responsibility, a memory. What helps me to find healing, most often, is when I stop running, and turn around. 
• Falling: I see that as letting money, relationships, or confidence slip away. 
• Death: What really scares people is someone dying, and I don't think that means that someone is actually gonna die literally. I take it as an end, an ending, end of season, end of habit, so something new can start. 
• Teeth falling out: Often I feel this relates to anxiety about losing strength, look or power. Held down: So many people describe waking up frozen or sensing a dark presence, sometimes. Doctors call it sleep paralysis and many people have experienced it, it's quite common and is generally harmless.

My final thoughts

If you've learned anything from what I have said. To me, a nightmare can be a warning, a release or an anxious mind or even just stressed out. Proverbs 3:24 reads that while you lay down, you will not be afraid, you will rest safely.