Sweet Dreams

Can we cue Annie Lenox???

Sweet dreams are made of this

Who am I to disagree

I travel the word and the seven seas

Everybody's looking for something...

Isn't this true? When you think of your dreams, what do they look like? I'm talking real life dreams, wishes for what you hope and strive for in your every day life. Does it feel out of reach? You're too old? Things changed, it's not possible now? That it's like you'd have to travel the seven seas...?

I know all of those thoughts. I also know the thoughts that when we think about God, there is no way He could be part of what our heart hopes for. That He will have a different plan and we'll have to change everything about our hopes and desires. But that is our culture clashing with the truth God tells us. True funny story- I have always loved foreign languages and cultures. I studied Spanish in high school and continued in college, it becoming part of my major. Back then, I was afraid to pray to God about my future plans, because I thought that since I spoke Spanish, He would require me to go far away to a foreign land forever. I laugh about it now, but I think we all may subconsciously do this on some level. We don't want to get too close, because what will God require of me?

I am fed with the written word. The written language speaks to me so much deeper than audio or visual mediums. In turn, nothing heals my soul like writing down every ounce of feeling in my heart. I've even scribbled when I’ve been so mad or so sad. Writing professionally has always been a dream of mine. In high school, I was looking into how I could make that a reality, but I switched to an education major my senior year because I thought writing wouldn’t be a secure career. I was raised with incredibly strong working parents that made it clear that I was not going to get any kind of "flimsy" degree. I needed to do something I could stand on and support myself. Writing didn't feel secure to me, so I changed. To this day, the writing desire is still in my heart.

But I've worked half a career already, how do I even go about doing anything about my dreams now? (And that security mindset is still strong- leave a career now? No way!).

What if we shifted our thinking? Instead of thinking of our dreams as something we are chasing (what culture tells us to do), what if we thought of ourselves as being designed specifically for our dreams? When we completely entrust our dreams to God, He will take them and hand them right back, better than we could imagine or create ourselves. It will bring Him ultimate glory, and He will be using us according to His plan.

Save your best striving for seeking my face...Instead of single-mindedly pursuing some goal, talk with Me about it. -Jesus Calling, March 8

When we give our dreams to God, if it does not line up with His plan, He will shift our hearts and gradually, our desires will change. God does this slowly and tenderly, and when He hands it back to us, it is better than if we tried it on our own. Our culture screams to push and hustle; you can only get your dreams if you go for it. While good can come out of that, what if we rested in God's presence instead? It doesn't mean you don't have to work or do your part. God doesn't bless laziness, but let Him guide you on each step. It can -and probably will- still be intimidating and difficult, but you at least have the reassurance from God when you inevitably face the ups and downs of accomplishment.

A famous story you may have heard about is Abraham and Sarah. God had promised He would make Abraham into a great nation (Genesis 12:1-9).

But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.” Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

Years passed and Abraham and Sarah were still childless. God again reassured his promise by telling Abraham that he would have as many descendants as there are stars in the sky (Genesis 15:2-5). Why do we have to wait so much, it seems? Why not just give us the answer and tell us what to do? Simply put, God is waiting for obedience.

I’ve heard God say, “just start writing.” I’ve been terrified of the social media world, blogs, and putting myself out there. So I would just sit on it. Not start. Get too overwhelmed with the big picture. Once I just started, things started to fall in place. Almost perfectly, though of course things aren't just honkey dory perfect. He prepares your heart and mind for what is next. One little, tiny step at a time. Can it feel exhausting to only know one little part at a time? Yes. Think about Abraham and Sarah, waiting and waiting, but continuing to hear from the Lord that they would have an heir. God knows what we need, how to prepare us, and how to not overwhelm us. If we are keeping in step with Him, when He has a BIG ask, we are ready. Say Yes. Jump in. He is holding my dream in His hands, the one He ordained just for me, to use for His glory, to hand back to me to make come alive, in His terms. Better terms. If I had started writing at 18, it might have been good. But I have so much life experience now compared to at 18, that I can’t imagine it a different way.

When I'm really in step with God, I know what He is asking me. You will hear me say it over and over, but we can only be in step with God when we seek His presence daily. Not just at church. Not just on Wednesdays or a random Friday or when we're desperate for help. Every day. Through the good and the bad. This is when God does His subtle work on our hearts, and things really start to move. We are able to listen more intentionally when we are in step with Him. The way God works, slowly and tenderly, the things He reveals to our heart and soul, we know when we are in His presence daily.

So get a piece of paper. Write down your ultimate dream. If you're not really sure, but you want to be more satisfied with your life, think about what breaks your heart and what skills you have acquired in your life. Where those meet may be where you can make your dreams a reality. When I talk about a satisfied life, it's not all about you, but about how God can use you. When you know you are doing what God wants you to do, that brings about unspeakable joy that ultimately results in happiness and satisfaction. Whatever you write on your paper, start praying about it.

In my quest to really understand my dreams and what God wants me to do, He has spoken to my spirit with surprising truths...

“I can’t use you later if you don’t start now.”

“I’m not going to do everything. You have some work to do too.”

Let God speak to you about your dreams. You will be surprised with what He has to say.

Dear God, my deepest dream is (__________). Guide me on what to do with it, and prepare me for Your ultimate dream for me. I place my dream in Your hands, and I trust You to take it and shape it according to Your will. Help me understand, guide me on each little step, and I pray that I will be ready to say Yes. In Your name I pray, Amen.

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 Young, Sarah. Jesus Calling. Nashville, TN, Thomas Nelson, 2004, 2011.