About That Dream . . .

“For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool’s voice is known by multitude of words.” (Ecclesiastes 5:3)

Have you ever wondered why confusing, ridiculous, or frightening dreams sometimes disrupt your rest? King Solomon, who many commentators attribute the book of Ecclesiastes, tells us plainly: dreams come from the busyness of a day and the cares of life that concern you. The remedy? Free your heart and mind of lingering thoughts before falling asleep—talk with the Father and deal with those issues that have your mind cluttered.

Solomon linked a heart and mind filled with life’s many concerns and activities with someone who thinks by their many words, impresses God and others (a fool). Solomon instructs us on how to approach God in prayer and worship: in humility and with reverence. Our words should be few and well-chosen, not for the correctness or pleasant sounding to the ear, but words you will stand by. Think before you speak to God; choose your words carefully. Think before you make promises; He expects you to keep that which you pledge to Him.

God is not impressed with flowery language, nor do we entreat His favor by using a multitude of words, even though He urges us to pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17). God is concerned about one’s attitude towards prayer, about the content and origin of prayers—prayers from a sincere heart, words directed by the Holy Spirit. If your conversation with Him is lengthy, let it be Spirit-led as when Jesus went out alone into a mountain and prayed all night (Luke 6:12). Solomon summarized dreams and fools’ words by saying they are insignificant and filled with worthlessness. We need not fear dreams or fools’ words, but one should reverently fear God. Worship Him with awe-filled respect because of who He is—Almighty, Holy God (v. 7).