Pastor, I Have a Question September 2012

QUESTION: In the middle of the night, before I wake, I dream I have an urgent destination I cannot reach. I wake and our country’s problems keep me awake. What will the future bring?
ANSWER: No one knows the future or what dreams mean except God. God permitted some people to know the future. Pharaoh dreamt about the future. His dreams haunted him. Learning that Joseph told Pharaoh’s cupbearer the meaning of his dreams, Pharaoh sent for him. Joseph answered, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace” (Genesis 41:16).
Dreams may trouble us also. The future can be worrisome at times. God alone gives us “an answer of peace.”
God has not sent us people through whom He interprets dreams. The Biblical prophets foretold the future primarily to prepare the world for the birth of His Son. Their words are recorded in the Bible and fulfilled in Jesus, about whom Isaiah prophesied: “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:5–6).
Jesus saves us from evil that plagues us. God adopts us as His children. He washes us clean of all our iniquity through the washing of regeneration and the renewal of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is our Prophet, who speaks words of love to us. In His Word, Jesus prepares us for the future, comforts us in trying times, assures us when we are frightened, and gives us peace of mind and heart during both good and trying times.
God’s children turn to Jesus when dreams trouble them; that is, they turn to His Word when they struggle, and He answers. Jesus reminds them that they ought not to trust in anything other than God. The major problem with worry is that people trust money, a retirement fund, an insurance policy, or the strength of government. When such things prove themselves to be less than reliable, we worry.
The almighty God is still in heaven. God promises to use His authority to bless His people. He always rules over all things. He keeps us in the palms of His hands. Paul said:
What is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all (Ephesians 1:19–23).
When troubles keep us awake at night, review God’s promises and recite His words. We are His people. He loves us. Should worries persist, review how faithful God has always been even during trying times. Betrayed by his brothers, sold as a slave, and imprisoned for years, Joseph took comfort in God’s grace: “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive” (Genesis 50:19–20).
When troubles disturb sleep, review the last catastrophe that troubled your sleep. God kept His promise. He took care of you, even if you don’t remember. God is always faithful.
Should God in His grace allow troubles that do not end, He promises to deliver us from all evil, granting us a blessed end when He graciously takes us from this valley of sorrow to Himself in heaven. (The explanation to the Seventh Petition.)
Rev. Charles Keeler
Resurrection Lutheran Church
Winter Haven, FL
cjohnk@aol.com