How to Know if It's God Speaking to You or Just Your Psychosis?

Divine communication through dreams can bring a sense of peace and understanding that is hard to ignore. However, discerning true divine guidance from mere psychological phenomena requires awareness and discernment. In this article, we will explore the characteristics of divine communication and how to differentiate it from mental health conditions like psychosis, drawing from biblical insights.

Distinguishing Divine Communication from Mental Health Conditions

When you wake up feeling a deep sense of peace, as if the spirit of the Lord is present, it could be a sign of divine communication. However, it's vital to recognize that the feeling of peace can also be the result of your mental state or psychological phenomena. In 2 Corinthians 10:5, it states, 'For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servant for Jesus’ sake.

The key difference between a divine encounter and mental health conditions like psychosis lies in the source of the communication. Divine communication is rooted in a relationship with God, characterized by intimacy and communion with Jesus Christ. This relationship allows us to share in God's divine spirit, which is conceived through prayer, study, and meditation.

The Role of the Imagination in Dream Symbolism

God often communicates through the imagination, using the subconscious mind to create symbols in dreams that convey complex information. These symbols are not merely images or thoughts arising from our conscious mind, but are a product of God's spirit and our own. In Ephesians 6:17, it says, 'Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.'

During moments of prayer, study, and meditation, God's spirit joins with our own, equipping us with insights to act on his good will. The imagination is a powerful tool through which God can communicate profound truths that are beyond the limitations of words alone. As the saying goes, 'A picture is worth a thousand words,' and the words of God carry intense depth and meaning.

Praying and Seeking God's Word

Difference between dreams from God, your mind, and the devil can be discerned through the context and the source of the communication. According to the Bible, God communicates his word to people through dreams. However, to avoid deception, one must be conversant with God's word. As written in John 10:37-38, 'Do not believe me unless I do what my Father does. But if I do it, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.

When a person is distant from God's word, they may fall into the realm of lust and the influence of the devil, which is extremely dangerous. The word of God guides you to prayer and, through prayer, to the realm of God's answers, including those that may come in the form of inspired dreams.

The Source of True Guidance

Many times, individuals mistakenly believe that they are answering their own prayers. However, the reality is that God is the only one who can truly answer prayers. As noted, 'If you could answer your own prayers, you wouldn't be asking this question.' Ultimately, prayer is an act of acknowledging God's sovereignty and seeking his will.

By staying in alignment with God's word and seeking his guidance, you can distinguish between divine communication and mere psychological phenomena. Through prayer, study, and meditation, you can cultivate a deeper relationship with God and seek the wisdom needed to navigate life's challenges with peace and purpose.