I had a Dream that Made Me Afraid

By: Undre Griggs, Jr.

When dealing with the unknown, we have the natural tendency to first search for answers from our friends and family.  It is almost an innate reaction for us to seek what we know when dealing with what we do not know.  King Nebuchadnezzar was no different; he was terrified because he had a dream that he could not understand (Daniel 4:4-5).  Nebuchadnezzar first pursued advice from those he knew best; his friends and trusted council.

Daniel 4:6-7 (NKJV): So I made a decree that all the wise men of Babylon should be brought before me, that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream. Then the magicians, the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the astrologers came in, and I told them the dream, but they could not make known to me its interpretation.

There is nothing wrong with seeking what we recognize when confronted with something unfamiliar; but God should be the familiar refuge we seek first.  God is more consistent than any person we have met, more knowledgeable than the wisest among us, and more concerned about our wellbeing than our closest family member.  Remarkably, Nebuchadnezzar knew he should have looked to God for answers; because Daniel already interpreted a dream that Nebuchadnezzar’s wisest men could not decipher (Daniel 2:1-11).  The ability of the king’s wisest men fell short again and Nebuchadnezzar eventually requested for God’s servant Daniel to interpret this dream too.

Daniel 4:8-9 (NIV):  Finally, Daniel came into my presence and I told him the dream. (He is called Belteshazzar, after the name of my god, and the spirit of the holy gods is in him.) I said, “Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you, and no mystery is too difficult for you. Here is my dream; interpret it for me.

When we are confronted with fear of the unknown, we must seek answers from the correct place.  Sometimes the answers do not come as quickly we would like, but that is no reason to lose faith in God.  Stay strong through the unknown, understanding that God is wise and omniscient; loving and enduring for His people.

Romans 11:33 (NIV):  Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!