The devil in your dream?

[youngnlove89]

I just had the most terrifying dream. I've had dreams like this before, but this time it was worse than ever.

 

I had a dream within a dream where I woke up mentally but could not more physically. I tried so hard to move but I was physically exhausted and could not. I remembered in my dream how this was sleep paralysis or "the devil sitting on your chest" and started freaking out in my dream. All of a sudden these blazing hot torches accompanied with loud thunder-like sound rang in my ears. I could feel the immense heat at my feet and on my chest. It was so hot that I felt like I was sweating profusely. I remember starting to say the "Our Father who art in heaven" prayer and the loud thunder sound got worse and the heat was hotter and started to sound like an evil voice. Finally I woke up from the dream within a dream and realized I was okay and laying on my bed soaked in sweat, but I still could not move until moments later when I heard a sound outside that finally awakened me. When I woke, I felt very exhausted but I wasn't drenched in sweat or anything.

 

What just happened to me? That was very horrifying!

[M30USA]

I just had the most terrifying dream. I've had dreams like this before, but this time it was worse than ever.

 

I had a dream within a dream where I woke up mentally but could not more physically. I tried so hard to move but I was physically exhausted and could not. I remembered in my dream how this was sleep paralysis or "the devil sitting on your chest" and started freaking out in my dream. All of a sudden these blazing hot torches accompanied with loud thunder-like sound rang in my ears. I could feel the immense heat at my feet and on my chest. It was so hot that I felt like I was sweating profusely. I remember starting to say the "Our Father who art in heaven" prayer and the loud thunder sound got worse and the heat was hotter and started to sound like an evil voice. Finally I woke up from the dream within a dream and realized I was okay and laying on my bed soaked in sweat, but I still could not move until moments later when I heard a sound outside that finally awakened me. When I woke, I felt very exhausted but I wasn't drenched in sweat or anything.

 

What just happened to me? That was very horrifying!

 

 

Young,

 

You will get a variety of explanations for what you just experienced. The only thing I can tell you know for sure is that it was terrifying.

 

It sounds like you are a Christian. I can tell you that modern Christians will laugh at what I'm about to tell you, but what you just experienced--from a biblical standpoint--could have been the beginning phase of a spiritual dream vision exactly like Isaiah or John had. Everything you described, even down to the SOUND, is exactly what accompanies a vision. Did you know that even John, as he began to have his vision on Patmos, described that he heard loud noises which were "like the sound of many waters"? Other people describe this as a loud, static electricity sound. The prophet, Isaiah, additionally, described how he had a terror in the middle of the night, where he couldn't move his body and the hair stood on end. He said he saw spirits gliding past his body.

 

Why do modern Christians view this as a fringe-type belief? Firstly, because most Christians have an overly "rational" view of the world, devoid of anything supernatural or spiritual. Secondly, because most Christians don't even know of these verses and events in the Bible. They just read through their Bible-In-A-Year, and pass right buy thousands of these verses which make NO SENSE in a rational context, and they just gloss right by, thinking of it all as poetry or symbolism. But I can tell you, if these things were happening THEN, they are happening NOW.

 

The single most common explanation is that what you experienced was "sleep paralysis". You will hear that it's caused by a neurological disconnect between the body and its sleep cycle. You will also hear that it's caused by potassium (or other electrolyte) deficiency. Still others will associate it with Narcolepsy disorder. The bottom line is, they believe that since we can discover a physical explantion which ACCOMPANIES sleep paralyis, we can assume that these physical explanations CAUSE the sleep paralysis--rather than ACCOMPANY them. It's a classic failure to see the difference between correlation and causality. For example, you can say that all depression is CAUSED by a chemical imbalance in the brain, but what if the disrupted chemicals are a RESULT of another intangible, psychological CAUSE?

 

I have researched this extensively. I believe that these same bizarre visions where the "heavens are opened" and people are in a half-tranced state are STILL going on today. You will notice that almost EVERY case of bizarre visions in the Bible occur during SLEEP. Did you know that when the disciples saw Jesus "transfigured" where he shined brightly in the presence of Elijah and Moses, the disciples were in this trance/sleep state? Yep, read all 4 accounts in the Gospels. It says Jesus walked up to them immediately afterwards, touched them, and they woke up. They WOKE UP. It's verses like these which people totally ignore and gloss over.

 

Lastly, you can't assume that just because it was "terrifying", that it automatically is associated with the "devil". When people in the Bible encountered even HOLY angels in the Bible, they were terrified and afraid. Any time we are in the presence of something unknown or supernatural, we react with fear and terror.

Edited December 16, 2012 by M30USA

[TheFinalWord]

Young,

 

You will get a variety of explanations for what you just experienced. The only thing I can tell you know for sure is that it was terrifying.

 

It sounds like you are a Christian. I can tell you that modern Christians will laugh at what I'm about to tell you, but what you just experienced--from a biblical standpoint--could have been the beginning phase of a spiritual dream vision exactly like Isaiah or John had. Everything you described, even down to the SOUND, is exactly what accompanies a vision. Did you know that even John, as he began to have his vision on Patmos, described that he heard loud noises which were "like the sound of many waters"? Other people describe this as a loud, static electricity sound. The prophet, Isaiah, additionally, described how he had a terror in the middle of the night, where he couldn't move his body and the hair stood on end. He said he saw spirits gliding past his body.

 

M30, I do not believe the bible says that John heard the sound of many waters as a pre-amble to his vision. It says that Jesus' voice is like the sound of many waters? What do you think?

 

On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet,which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.”I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades."

Why do modern Christians view this as a fringe-type belief? Firstly, because most Christians have an overly "rational" view of the world, devoid of anything supernatural or spiritual. Secondly, because most Christians don't even know of these verses and events in the Bible. They just read through their Bible-In-A-Year, and pass right buy thousands of these verses which make NO SENSE in a rational context, and they just gloss right by, thinking of it all as poetry or symbolism. But I can tell you, if these things were happening THEN, they are happening NOW.

 

The single most common explanation is that what you experienced was "sleep paralysis". You will hear that it's caused by a neurological disconnect between the body and its sleep cycle. You will also hear that it's caused by potassium (or other electrolyte) deficiency. Still others will associate it with Narcolepsy disorder. The bottom line is, they believe that since we can discover a physical explantion which ACCOMPANIES sleep paralyis, we can assume that these physical explanations CAUSE the sleep paralysis--rather than ACCOMPANY them. It's a classic failure to see the difference between correlation and causality. For example, you can say that all depression is CAUSED by a chemical imbalance in the brain, but what if the disrupted chemicals are a RESULT of another intangible, psychological CAUSE?

 

I have researched this extensively. I believe that these same bizarre visions where the "heavens are opened" and people are in a half-tranced state are STILL going on today. You will notice that almost EVERY case of bizarre visions in the Bible occur during SLEEP. Did you know that when the disciples saw Jesus "transfigured" where he shined brightly in the presence of Elijah and Moses, the disciples were in this trance/sleep state? Yep, read all 4 accounts in the Gospels. It says Jesus walked up to them immediately afterwards, touched them, and they woke up. They WOKE UP. It's verses like these which people totally ignore and gloss over.

 

Lastly, you can't assume that just because it was "terrifying", that it automatically is associated with the "devil". When people in the Bible encountered even HOLY angels in the Bible, they were terrified and afraid. Any time we are in the presence of something unknown or supernatural, we react with fear and terror.

 

I'm open to spiritual things. But I personally don't think it is supernatural b/c my dad has sleep paralysis. I've had to wake him up out of it. It isn't anything supernatural that I can tell. His is likely triggered by sleep deprivation. He takes several other medications and when the timing is off, he has sleep deprivation, and inevitably sleep paralysis. I can promise you I don't explain it away b/c of any type of wishful thinking or 365 day bible plan

 

Lastly, I have never heard that the disciples were asleep during the transfiguration. That's a new one to me I am pretty sure the transfiguration is only reported in three gospels?

 

"After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell face down to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. He said, “Get up. Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up they saw no one except Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Do not tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."

 

This is the only report of them falling down and I don't see that as them being asleep.

 

"Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him."

 

I found in Luke, that it says they were very sleepy but they were fully awake when they say Christ in his glory. In 2 Peter 1:16-18 Peter is referencing the Transfiguration. He said they were eye witnesses; not asleep. So you're going to have to convince me they were asleep Very possible I"m wrong! I've been entrenched in 2 Cor. in my personal studies, but need to get back into the gospels haha

 

But on the sleep paralysis. I've never heard the lack of potassium before. I would be interested if you would post your research findings on sleep paralysis.

Edited December 17, 2012 by TheFinalWord

[M30USA]

TFW,

 

Where is the distinction between natural and supernatural? If Isaiah were having a vision in his sleep and then someone woke him up, would you say it wasn't supernatural? Did you know Jesus TOUCHED his disciples after they saw the transfiguration, thereby waking them up? Read and compare all 4 Gospel accounts and combine all the information.

 

Secondly, the Bible clearly states the God uses sleep as a means of communication with us. It even states that angels are involved in the communication during sleep.

 

My point is that sleep/dreams and visions may be SO COMMON that we don't even associate it with anything spiritual. It's kind of like something which is so obvious and prevalant that you don't take notice of it.

[pie2]

OP - omg, that must have been sooo scary!!! It's hard to tell what the dream really meant. I think that, deep down, you might have some insight into what you think the dream means. What do you think?

 

Anyway, say a prayer tonight, asking for protection

[TheFinalWord]

TFW,

 

Where is the distinction between natural and supernatural? If Isaiah were having a vision in his sleep and then someone woke him up, would you say it wasn't supernatural? Did you know Jesus TOUCHED his disciples after they saw the transfiguration, thereby waking them up? Read and compare all 4 Gospel accounts and combine all the information.

 

Secondly, the Bible clearly states the God uses sleep as a means of communication with us. It even states that angels are involved in the communication during sleep.

 

My point is that sleep/dreams and visions may be SO COMMON that we don't even associate it with anything spiritual. It's kind of like something which is so obvious and prevalant that you don't take notice of it.

 

Sure, I looked up the transfiguration. I still don't see where it says they were asleep during the transfiguration. Maybe I'm just blind (or asleep? )

 

You know, to me the the funniest example of sleep in the bible is when Paul preached so long one kid dozed off, fell out of a window, and died. Paul then heals him

 

"On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “He’s alive!” Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left. The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted."

 

(Just imagine getting to hear that preaching! There is a lot of questions Paul could have cleared up for us huh?)

 

I am interested in what you've found about sleep paralysis. Not to dissect it, just to see what you found. Pertains more to OP anyway.

[M30USA]

“About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters — one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ (He did not know what he was saying.)” (Luke 9:28-33, NIV)

 

By saying "but when they became fully awake" it implies they were asleep. Sound like the awakening upon a sleep paralysis? Read on further and you'll see that Jesus then TOUCHES then--as you did your father--to "snap" them out of it.

 

Here's another passage:

 

"I, Daniel, was the only one who saw the vision; the men with me did not see it, but such terror overwhelmed them that they fled and hid themselves. So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision; I had no strength left, my face turned deathly pale and I was helpless. Then I heard him speaking, and as I listened to him, I fell into a deep sleep, my face to the ground." (Daniel 10:5-9)

 

This verse correlates falling to the ground on one's face with a "deep sleep" and the "vision". Is this what happens to OTHER prophets and men of Scripture? There is no denying it says what it says. Most people just blow right by it, giving no thought to what it means.

[TheFinalWord]

I just had the most terrifying dream. I've had dreams like this before, but this time it was worse than ever.

 

I had a dream within a dream where I woke up mentally but could not more physically. I tried so hard to move but I was physically exhausted and could not. I remembered in my dream how this was sleep paralysis or "the devil sitting on your chest" and started freaking out in my dream. All of a sudden these blazing hot torches accompanied with loud thunder-like sound rang in my ears. I could feel the immense heat at my feet and on my chest. It was so hot that I felt like I was sweating profusely. I remember starting to say the "Our Father who art in heaven" prayer and the loud thunder sound got worse and the heat was hotter and started to sound like an evil voice. Finally I woke up from the dream within a dream and realized I was okay and laying on my bed soaked in sweat, but I still could not move until moments later when I heard a sound outside that finally awakened me. When I woke, I felt very exhausted but I wasn't drenched in sweat or anything.

 

What just happened to me? That was very horrifying!

 

In relation to OP,

 

My dad has sleep paralysis. One time we could not get him out of it and had to call the ambulance! Basically, during sleep the pons gland sends a signal to the spinal cord to paralyze you so you don't re-enact your dreams and hurt yourself (or anyone else!).

 

What is weird with it, is that your brain is sort of stuck between dream state and awake state. Sleep paralysis occurs during REM sleep, most of the time; REM is the sleep stage when you have most of your dreams. During sleep paralysis, you are dreaming while semi-awake. Basically the sleep-wake mechanism in the brain is stuck in the neutral position. You're still in REM, dreaming, but also awake. During that time you have hallucinations. My dad will see stick figure type people looking at him. Also, he will think there are people in the house. But you can't move (hence sleep paralysis). After a few times of this experience, when you have learned what sleep paralysis feels like, your brain will start to put two and two together and you'll know when you're in sleep paralysis. Even though my dad is in this altered state of consciousness, he knows that he is in sleep paralysis and it helps with the fear. Doesn't help with the annoyance though.

 

Often you have to have someone or something that triggers you to wake up. My dad has also tried to use a variety of ways to "wake himself out of it". Usually though it takes me physically pulling him up out of the chair.

[TheFinalWord]

“About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters — one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ (He did not know what he was saying.)” (Luke 9:28-33, NIV)

 

Thanks for the verse. Okay, I'm still not convinced.

 

1) It says they were very sleepy, not asleep. Sleep paralysis occurs in stage 5 sleep, the deepest sleep. You are not very sleepy in REM sleep, you are completely out of it! lol

 

2) The text in Luke 9 says they were fully awake when they saw his glory. This also aligns with 2 Peter 1:16-18, that Peter and they others were "eyewitnesses" of his transfiguration and full glory.

 

3) The part about touching them is in the Matthew 17 account. Before Jesus touches them, they fell to the ground. If they fell to the ground, they couldn't have been asleep before. Unless they sleep standing up Also, the text in Luke 9 clearly says they were fully awake when the voice stated "this is my son". When they fall down in the Matthew 17 narrative, this is because of the fear they experience at hearing the voice. Looking chronologically with Luke 9, they were already fully awake at this point. It makes more sense that Christ was just comforting them IMHO

 

Sorry, I'm not convinced lol Anyway this is way off of OP.

[pie2]

In relation to OP,

 

My dad has sleep paralysis. One time we could not get him out of it and had to call the ambulance! Basically, during sleep the pons gland sends a signal to the spinal cord to paralyze you so you don't re-enact your dreams and hurt yourself (or anyone else!).

 

What is weird with it, is that your brain is sort of stuck between dream state and awake state. Sleep paralysis occurs during REM sleep, most of the time; REM is the sleep stage when you have most of your dreams. During sleep paralysis, you are dreaming while semi-awake. Basically the sleep-wake mechanism in the brain is stuck in the neutral position. You're still in REM, dreaming, but also awake. During that time you have hallucinations. My dad will see stick figure type people looking at him. Also, he will think there are people in the house. But you can't move (hence sleep paralysis). After a few times of this experience, when you have learned what sleep paralysis feels like, your brain will start to put two and two together and you'll know when you're in sleep paralysis. Even though my dad is in this altered state of consciousness, he knows that he is in sleep paralysis and it helps with the fear. Doesn't help with the annoyance though.

 

Often you have to have someone or something that triggers you to wake up. My dad has also tried to use a variety of ways to "wake himself out of it". Usually though it takes me physically pulling him up out of the chair.

 

I never knew that...good to know! Any idea about what might differentiate a typical sleep paralysis dream from a satanically-inspired dream?

[TheFinalWord]

I never knew that...good to know! Any idea about what might differentiate a typical sleep paralysis dream from a satanically-inspired dream?

 

No, I know that I often dream about what I have been watching or "absorbing" into my brain. That's why for me I am very careful what I put into my mind Which is what the bible says to do! "you are what you think" (or dwell on)

 

During sleep, something called synaptic plasticity occurs. Basically, your brain is sifting through the information it has received during the day and making some connections stronger and eliminating others. So if someone fills their mind with satanic images, then I imagine you will have those types of dreams.

 

One theory of sleep says that during sleep, the pre-frontal cortex, which is responsible for logical functioning in the brain "shuts off". During this time, our logic center takes a rest if you will. When we are uninhibited by logic, we can have very strange dreams. It's basically our brain trying to make sense of information we are processing w/out any logical functioning. There's a lot we don't know about dreaming, which is why some of what M30 says intrigues me. For example, some people actually solve problems in their dreams. Some think this is b/c their logical inhibitions are removed.

 

PS: For M30. I am not saying what you are hypothesizing is wrong. I am just very careful about accepting any new idea regarding scriptures. I need to be convinced lol nothing you did wrong. It's a Berean thing (Acts 17:11)

[pie2]

When we are uninhibited by logic, we can have very strange dreams.

 

I completely relate to being "uninhibited by logic" (it's a perpetual state for me ).

 

Actually, I usually have really good dreams, and I get sad to wake up . Some 'experiences' I have had in dreams have stayed with me for years; I can remember them like they were yesterday.

[TheFinalWord]

I completely relate to being "uninhibited by logic" (it's a perpetual state for me ).

 

Actually, I usually have really good dreams, and I get sad to wake up . Some 'experiences' I have had in dreams have stayed with me for years; I can remember them like they were yesterday.

 

"uninhibited by logic" LOL you crack me up!

 

That's because you're a nice person I don't like to get up either when I have my electric blanket and pup sleeping on my leg

 

I have had a few dreams that have stayed with me too. I hope all your dreams come true!!

 

That's a good question about why the dreams in sleep paralysis are so frightening. My initial thought is that the amaygdala (the brain organ responsible for fear) stimulates flight or flight during sleep paralysis.

 

I did check OPs other posts. She has another medical condition...maybe it's related??

[M30USA]

TFW,

 

The disciples during the transfiguration were "very sleepy", yes. But did you read the next phrase? It says "and when they awoke". This implies they were asleep.

[M30USA]

TFW,

 

This topic requires bigtime study. My next post will be a tome. Be prepared. You will be amazed at how there is ALWAYS mention of sleep during a vision or revelation. I will list so many that your mind will be blown.

[BetheButterfly]

I just had the most terrifying dream. I've had dreams like this before, but this time it was worse than ever.

 

I had a dream within a dream where I woke up mentally but could not more physically. I tried so hard to move but I was physically exhausted and could not. I remembered in my dream how this was sleep paralysis or "the devil sitting on your chest" and started freaking out in my dream. All of a sudden these blazing hot torches accompanied with loud thunder-like sound rang in my ears. I could feel the immense heat at my feet and on my chest. It was so hot that I felt like I was sweating profusely. I remember starting to say the "Our Father who art in heaven" prayer and the loud thunder sound got worse and the heat was hotter and started to sound like an evil voice. Finally I woke up from the dream within a dream and realized I was okay and laying on my bed soaked in sweat, but I still could not move until moments later when I heard a sound outside that finally awakened me. When I woke, I felt very exhausted but I wasn't drenched in sweat or anything.

 

What just happened to me? That was very horrifying!

 

 

Some dreams do have messages, but I think what you experienced is not a message, but more that you are afraid and are experiencing fearful, scary things in this dream. Have you gone through fearful and scary things in your life while awake? Many times, dreams are "collections" of what our mind thinks about, all jumbled up together and played out in story form. Sometimes dreams are funny or beautiful, but other times no.

 

I agree with The Final Word about sleep paralysis, though I've never experienced it. Being afraid though doesn't help sleep paralysis get better. My advice is to pray, ask God to help you conquer your fear, and next time that dream comes, search in your brain for encouragement for yourself, to not be afraid... remember that sleep paralysis is not permanent. Get positive thoughts into your consciousness so that when this bad dream comes, you won't be dwelling on the fear, k?

 

I have had dreams that worry me a little. For example, last night I dreamed that I was searching all over a huge house for my darling little dog, Sheila. I don't know why I was in that house; it wasn't mine or any of my family members or friends... but I was calling her name. Nobody was around. I went into a children's play room and there were legos, crayons, and other toys on the floor. I started cleaning up, which is weird cause if I were truly looking for Sheila, cleaning would be the last thing on my mind.

 

Then I opened the master bedroom and there was water all over the floor, so deep that my darling dog would be swimming in it if she were in there! It was flooding. That scared me because I didn't understand what in the world was going on. I started calling louder for Sheila and running through the house. Then, I heard my Mom yell, "She's in here with me!" I ran toward the direction where I heard her voice. I heard Sheila barking then. They were in the basement, which wasn't flooded at all, and they were ok. Then we started singing a song in a language I don't know, as I closed the basement door and stayed in there with them and other people.

 

It's an incredibly weird dream and what worries me is the panic of missing my beloved dog and looking everywhere for her. I think what motivated this dream is what happened with the CT shootings. I do not have kids yet, but I consider Sheila to be my baby, even though she didn't come from my body nor is of my species. She's still my precious little one just the same.

 

It's not surprising that she was with my Mom, because she is with my Mom right now, as I'm writing this. Anyways, I think I dreamed this because I have been so sad and praying and thinking for the families of the kids who died, and the parents looking for their babies, and the joy of those who found their babies alive. The dream convicts me to continue to pray for those who have lost their babies due to the cruelty of other people, not just in the CT shooting, but all who have lost their babies, everywhere.

 

As for your dream: again, my advice is to pray and to think positively. Don't give in to fear. Train your mind to think on something positive and the fact that sleep paralysis is not permanent. It'd be good to research on it. I found this which is interesting: (I boldened some.)

 

"Sleep researchers conclude that, in most cases, sleep paralysis is simply a sign that your body is not moving smoothly through the stages of sleep. Rarely is sleep paralysis linked to deep underlying psychiatric problems.

 

Over the centuries, symptoms of sleep paralysis have been described in many ways and often attributed to an "evil" presence: unseen night demons in ancient times, the old hag in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, and alien abductors. Almost every culture throughout history has had stories of shadowy evil creatures that terrify helpless humans at night. People have long sought explanations for this mysterious sleep-time paralysis and the accompanying feelings of terror."

Sleep Paralysis Symptoms, Treatment, and Causes

 

So, it may not be due to problems/difficulties while awake. You might want to go to a doctor to help figure out how to have a better sleep.

[M30USA]

The relationship between sleep and visions/revelations in Scripture is too vast to ignore. A simple concordance search of the word "sleep" will show this.

 

The following are examples of visions/revelation received during sleep (or a sleep-induced state by God or an angel):

 

1) Jeremiah's vision of restored Israel (Jer 31:26).

 

2) Jacob's vision of angels ascending/descending on stairway into heaven (Gen 27:11)

 

3) Zecheriah's vision of a the golden lampstand (Zech 4).

 

4) Abraham received God's covenant promise during sleep. It was even described that a "torch" with great heat passed by him--similar to the OPs description (starting in Gen 15:12).

 

5) Daniel's vision (8:18).

 

6) The disciples were asleep while they saw Jesus transfigured. In order to see this you must carefully compare all 4 gospels and combine them. Start with Luke 9:32.

 

At the very least, if one believes the Bible, he/she must acknowledge that God uses dreams to communicate with us and give us visions/revelation. This is not just limited to ancient times, since Revelation tells us that in later days people will "dream dreams" and "have visions".

 

So this leads me to my next point:

 

What, if anything, would it look like if someone were to have one of this visions? Would it just be routine sleep? Would it be pleasant? The Bible seems to suggest not necessarily yes for either.

 

"Amid thoughts from visions of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, dread came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones shake. A spirit glided past my face; the hair of my flesh stood up. It stood still, but I could not discern its appearance. A form was before my eyes; there was silence, then I heard a voice..." (Job 4:13-16 ESV)

 

Would you say that this sleep vision in Job was "demonic" or "satanic" just because it was terrifying? Clearly not.

 

"For God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, while they slumber on their beds, then he opens the ears of men and terrifies them with warnings, that he may turn man aside from his deed and conceal pride from a man; he keeps back his soul from the pit, his life from perishing by the sword." (Job 33:14-18 ESV)

 

Here we have proof that could could, potentially, use a terrifying dream as a way of speaking to a person with the goal of helping them or preserving them. Even Abraham, when he received the covenant from God during his sleep in Genesis 15, had a "great and dreadful darkness fall upon him". Again, if its godly, why the darkness and why the dread? Additionally, Daniel in his sleep vision was left feeling "sick for some days". If it's godly, why the sickness? Clearly these negative things don't mean it's "satanic".

 

Getting back to the question earlier, what might a person look like when they're experiencing a vision in sleep?

 

Daniel records that he fell to the ground in a deep sleep with his vision. That is odd. This almost sounds like narcolepsy. Jesus had to physically touch the disciples to wake them from sleep after the transufguration. It's a known symptom of sleep paralysis that one can be physically touched and "snapped out of it".

 

Modern science tells us that dreams have a "rational" explanation. Psychologists tell us that during REM sleep, this part of the brain does such and such. But that means nothing! You can find secondary physical changes for anything. You could even say demonic possession is "a chemical imbalance in the brain". Sure, there may be a chemical imbalance AFTER the demonic possession. If anything it proves there might be possession because there IS an accompanying physical change. What came first, the chicken or egg? What came first, the dream/vision or the changes in the brain during the sleep?

 

In summary, I am confused by modern Christians. We claim to believe the Bible, yet any time it's presented in a way which makes it REAL, it's quickly called superstitious or even demonic. Heck, Jesus was called demonic for his miracles! There are too many examples of sleep visions in the Bible, many of which sound exactly like things going on TODAY, for us to ignore them.

Edited December 17, 2012 by M30USA

[Mme. Chaucer]

There is a lot of information on night terrors and sleep paralysis available on the Internet, and I believe it will not be of any help to you to think that your experiences are any kind of supernatural event.

[M30USA]

There is a lot of information on night terrors and sleep paralysis available on the Internet, and I believe it will not be of any help to you to think that your experiences are any kind of supernatural event.

 

You clearly missed my point. I know fully what the scientific explanations are, probably more than most of you on here. Please reread my post and you'll see that the scientific explanations may be secondary, not primary. Understanding the science doesn't explain away anything. It merely shows the physical changes--which aren't necessarily the causative agent, but may be the result of another primary agent.

Edited December 17, 2012 by M30USA

[Mme. Chaucer]

You clearly missed my point. I know fully what the scientific explanations are, probably more than most of you on here.

 

I wasn't responding to your point. I was addressing the OP.

 

You seem to have a much higher opinion of your breadth and depth of knowledge on every subject that appears here on LoveShack than is actually warranted. I doubt you are an expert of any kind on sleep disorders. And I know you are really immersed in magical thinking. I don't think that your magical thinking is useful for the OP.

[TheFinalWord]

The relationship between sleep and visions/revelations in Scripture is too vast to ignore. A simple concordance search of the word "sleep" will show this.

 

The following are examples of visions/revelation received during sleep (or a sleep-induced state by God or an angel):

 

1) Jeremiah's vision of restored Israel (Jer 31:26).

 

2) Jacob's vision of angels ascending/descending on stairway into heaven (Gen 27:11)

 

3) Zecheriah's vision of a the golden lampstand (Zech 4).

 

4) Abraham received God's covenant promise during sleep. It was even described that a "torch" with great heat passed by him--similar to the OPs description (starting in Gen 15:12).

 

5) Daniel's vision (8:18).

 

6) The disciples were asleep while they saw Jesus transfigured. In order to see this you must carefully compare all 4 gospels and combine them. Start with Luke 9:32.

 

At the very least, if one believes the Bible, he/she must acknowledge that God uses dreams to communicate with us and give us visions/revelation. This is not just limited to ancient times, since Revelation tells us that in later days people will "dream dreams" and "have visions".

 

So this leads me to my next point:

 

What, if anything, would it look like if someone were to have one of this visions? Would it just be routine sleep? Would it be pleasant? The Bible seems to suggest not necessarily yes for either.

 

"Amid thoughts from visions of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, dread came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones shake. A spirit glided past my face; the hair of my flesh stood up. It stood still, but I could not discern its appearance. A form was before my eyes; there was silence, then I heard a voice..." (Job 4:13-16 ESV)

 

Would you say that this sleep vision in Job was "demonic" or "satanic" just because it was terrifying? Clearly not.

 

"For God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, while they slumber on their beds, then he opens the ears of men and terrifies them with warnings, that he may turn man aside from his deed and conceal pride from a man; he keeps back his soul from the pit, his life from perishing by the sword." (Job 33:14-18 ESV)

 

Here we have proof that could could, potentially, use a terrifying dream as a way of speaking to a person with the goal of helping them or preserving them. Even Abraham, when he received the covenant from God during his sleep in Genesis 15, had a "great and dreadful darkness fall upon him". Again, if its godly, why the darkness and why the dread? Additionally, Daniel in his sleep vision was left feeling "sick for some days". If it's godly, why the sickness? Clearly these negative things don't mean it's "satanic".

 

Getting back to the question earlier, what might a person look like when they're experiencing a vision in sleep?

 

Daniel records that he fell to the ground in a deep sleep with his vision. That is odd. This almost sounds like narcolepsy. Jesus had to physically touch the disciples to wake them from sleep after the transufguration. It's a known symptom of sleep paralysis that one can be physically touched and "snapped out of it".

 

Modern science tells us that dreams have a "rational" explanation. Psychologists tell us that during REM sleep, this part of the brain does such and such. But that means nothing! You can find secondary physical changes for anything. You could even say demonic possession is "a chemical imbalance in the brain". Sure, there may be a chemical imbalance AFTER the demonic possession. If anything it proves there might be possession because there IS an accompanying physical change. What came first, the chicken or egg? What came first, the dream/vision or the changes in the brain during the sleep?

 

In summary, I am confused by modern Christians. We claim to believe the Bible, yet any time it's presented in a way which makes it REAL, it's quickly called superstitious or even demonic. Heck, Jesus was called demonic for his miracles! There are too many examples of sleep visions in the Bible, many of which sound exactly like things going on TODAY, for us to ignore them.

 

Thanks for providing that M30! I will look more into it and consider what you said.

[pie2]

Thanks for providing that M30! I will look more into it and consider what you said.

 

You should probably sleep on it

[TheFinalWord]

You should probably sleep on it

 

 

Well for me, I am a very skeptical person. Basically, I've been trained to dissect everything. What I have found is our greatest strengths are our greatest weaknesses. So, I may not agree with everything M30 says, but there is truth in being so skeptical. It can be a snare if we are not careful.

 

For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

[pie2]

Well for me, I am a very skeptical person. Basically, I've been trained to dissect everything. What I have found is our greatest strengths are our greatest weaknesses. So, I may not agree with everything M30 says, but there is truth in being so skeptical. It can be a snare if we are not careful.

 

It seems like everything can be a snare, if we're not careful . Like most things can be used for good, or for evil (scary !!) Considering our own motiivations is a constant battle

 

The gift of discernment seems so valuable right now

[M30USA]

I view Scripture as higher than anything. And sometimes cultural perceptions or views that are restricted to a certain era can influence our thinking so significantly that it's diffucult to break free of it. There was a time, for example, when Jesus wasn't considered by the collective church as being God. If you argued that he was, you would have been on the fringe. It took a collective decision by the church to finally accept this--even though you wonder HOW it could be interpreted otherwise. But society and its perceptions have a huge sway on us.

 

Our current culture and time, in my opinion, is pseudo-scientific. Everything and anything is scientific. Prove me this, prove me that. It's actually the complete opposite of the "dark ages", where superstition and myth dominated. Now we are on the opposite extreme, which is potentially as dangerous. Everything to us has to be "rational"--which is funny in itself because we are not omniscient and therefore cannot understand everything rationally.

 

Getting back to OP, if sleep is mentioned over and over in Scripture in relation to visions, dreams, revelation, and terrifying experiences, why can we not just accept it at face value? There is no interpretation involved. The only interpretation is the strong pull of society to label it as superstition or fringe belief. Scripture says what it says.

Edited December 18, 2012 by M30USA