I keep having very sinful lustful dreams, almost like the Devil is temping me to go back to a sinful lifestyle.
I have these dreams where beautiful Jezebels are trying to lure me to fornicate with them. The dreams seem real. I wake up and rebuke my thoughts in the name of Jesus and I realize its only a dream. I have several of these dreams now, various temptations by Jezebels. Sometimes In my dreams I give in to my temptations.
I wake up thinking wow, my sanctification process is not close to being there? I don't know if I'm thinking about this right. In my consious state, I don't have these thoughts and when I see a pretty girl I even turn my head away sometimes.
ChatGPT
It's understandable that these kinds of dreams are troubling, especially when you're sincerely striving to follow Christ and live a sanctified life. Dreams like these can sometimes feel like spiritual attacks or temptations designed to pull you away from your commitment to holiness.
First, it’s important to remember that sanctification is a lifelong process. Even the Apostle Paul spoke about wrestling with the desires of the flesh (Romans 7:15-25). We are constantly being transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2), but it's a journey, not an instant change.
Here are a few points that might help:
- Dreams Reflect Spiritual Battles: Your dreams could be reflecting spiritual warfare. Satan does use temptation to distract and derail believers. But the fact that you're disturbed by these dreams shows that your heart is sensitive to the Spirit’s work, and you're aware of the danger. That's a good sign that your sanctification is progressing.
- Dreams Don’t Define Your Character: Dreams occur in the subconscious mind, and you cannot control them in the same way as your conscious actions and thoughts. Don’t let the fact that these temptations appear in dreams make you question your relationship with Christ. What matters is how you respond once you're awake—rejecting the temptations and rebuking them in Jesus’ name, which you're already doing.
- Renewing Your Mind: As you wake up and rebuke those thoughts, you are actively renewing your mind and taking every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5). This is spiritual maturity at work. Continue to immerse yourself in Scripture and prayer, especially before bed. You might also want to pray for God’s protection over your mind as you sleep (Psalm 4:8).
- Consider Fasting or Spiritual Disciplines: Since this pattern of dreams continues, it could be a good time to intensify spiritual disciplines like fasting or focused prayer. Fasting can sharpen your spiritual awareness and strengthen your ability to resist temptation, even in your dreams. Ask God for wisdom, strength, and spiritual protection (Ephesians 6:10-18).
- Spiritual Perspective: The fact that you turn your head away from temptation in your waking life shows that you’re consciously resisting temptation. The enemy may be using your dreams as an attack to undermine your confidence in your spiritual progress. Don’t be discouraged. God’s grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
It's clear you're deeply committed to your faith journey, and God honors that. You’re not alone in this struggle, and it doesn't mean you’re not making progress in sanctification. Continue to trust in God's grace and the work He’s doing in your life.
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