[blah__x]

i was reading SW's post about "listening" to God. well i asked God to show me if he cared by taking away my disturbing dreams just for one night.

i had a dream..well i dont wanna say what happened.. but it was horrible. when i woke up i felt like i was being choked.

does this mean God hates me?

[schizoidwoman]

Gabriel,
I have found that if I "test" God kind of like you did by asking for a specific "sign", I am usually disappointed by a lack of answer. I don't think He works in that kind of way in this day and age. I am sure that God does not hate you - He just decided not to answer your request. I also have terrifying nightmares - sometimes we are given a thorn in the flesh to live with, and we won't know why until very much later. I'm still struggling with my "listening" but I hope you will not give up.
Hugs,
SW

[KathyM]

I agree with SW

I've tried to demand things from God - i.e., PROVE TO ME YOU CARE! - cuz it seemed like the "bastid" hated me.

In response, he'd drag me through the mud - scraping my knees on twigs and stones - saying "How DARE you question my love for you - I brought you into this world! Now be a good little girl and listen to your father. I'm the adult here, and I know what's best."

After a few spankings, I realized he did love me - and I've got the battle scars to prove it.

[Gracey]

Perhaps His true love for you is demonstrated not in the things He takes away, but in the things He lovingly gives.

For instance. . .you ability to survive what you have, the ability to get through the dream and analyze it, the friends you have here, a sunny day, etc.

I've found, God doesn't perform just b/c we want Him to.

[ally88]

It might sound crazy but I ask God for things all the time and sometimes I get answers on the form of dreams. But! not all the time. sometimes i probably do test God like I shouldnt, I do agree with schizoidwoman, he wont always answer every time. But he's thinking of you..dont worry. I really hope the dreams get better! (((((((Gabriel))))))))

[Rapunzel]

Sometimes the answer is no. Maybe you have those dreams for a reason, and they will go away when you understand what the dreams are trying to tell you. What if you try praying for understanding? Maybe you need to understand something in those dreams in order to heal.

[Etheria]

How about instead of asking God to take the bad dreams away, ask him to help you have a good one. I think when I go to sleep disturbed, the more likely I am to have a bad dream. If I go to sleep feeling alittle more peaceful, dreams are better. Just a thought. Many blessings, Etheria

[KathyM]

My husband works on business phone systems and has to deal with a lot of angry customers. Then he gets to fight traffic coming home.

He wakes me up talking in his sleep. I always feel so bad for him because he doesn't having any good, scary or even interesting dreams. Here's a typical night.....

Him: Find out if that jack is working.

Me: It's working just fine.

Okay.....zzzzzzzzzz

Another night.....

Him: Run the cable through the wall and up to the ceiling. Let me know when you're there and give me a tug.

Me: Got it - cable's all run - can you feel it?

Him: zzzzzzzzzzz

Poor guy has to work hard all day AND night.

At least you get to go on an adventure, then wake up fresh every day, lol.

[(JD)]

I'm sorry this happened to you...and the bad dreams too...

The mind/brain works on troubling information during dream states.
Try to think of good things, pleasant things, peaceful scenes and thoughts right before bedtime. Block any fears or thoughts of negative things.

Also readdress any medications you are taking. There are some that can cause bad dreams.

[mlyn]

some times the answer is not yet or be patient. I do not believe that you are hated just that our expectations get in the way much of the time.

[(JD)]

PS No, bad dreams and "unanswered" prayer doesn't mean God hates you.

Gabriel... I don't know the answers. I wish for you to recieve all the comfort and knowledge that you are valuable and cherished here on this earth. Hugsssssss

I can't explain the human experience, but I can sit and hold your hand and say I care.. We all do here.

[Sher]

Gabriel,
I am very sorry that you have been traumatized by nightmares. I too have suffered from them as well . It truly sucks to have sleep robbed from you because of these horrible dreams. But let me tell you God does not hate you , it is not in his nature to hate anyone because God is love .
I am not sure what is the source of your repeated nightmares . For me, I began having nightmares during therapy for sexual abuse and rapes that I had suffered in my past. It was awefull , they were so real . I could feel the abuser , see them ,even smell the smells from those terrible events in my life .
They got better for me by practicing 2 things .First I would relax through breathing and reading a passage from the bible before I went to bed . This helped alot .
Second , I had to begin the process of forgiving all of them .
I know that is a heavy one . I have to tell you though , it was the only way to "unchain" me from these people who where haunting my life . I couldnt ecscape them even in my sleep
until I let go of their obligation to me for all they wrongs they commited against me and gave it to God to handle.I prayed long and hard about this(weeks) until one day in prayer not a verse but a specific page came to my mind , and at the very top of page 345 in my bible it said this . "Vengeance is mine and retribution"
So I recieved an answer to my prayer , but it definatly was not instant . I had to line up with Gods will and his will was for me to forgive so I could have peace .
I hope that this will help you in your struggle. If you ever want to leave me a message I would be happy to talk to you.( I am not even sure I know how all that messaging stuff works on here, but I will figure it out .)
Take care ,
Sher

[Dulcinea]

I think that's great advice.