Christian Living

“But I tell you, in this you are not right, for God is greater than any mortal. Why do you complain to him that he responds to no one’s words? For God does speak—now one way, now another—though no one perceives it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on people as they slumber in their beds, he may speak in their ears and terrify them with warnings, to turn them from wrongdoing and keep them from pride, to preserve them from the pit, their lives from perishing by the sword. (Job 33:12-18) 

The Dungeon Monkeys

I recently had a dream about monkeys and these monkeys were locked away in a dungeon. I was going through this big mansion and ended up in the basement where I opened a door and there were several monkeys. These creatures were all different shapes, colors, and sizes. Some were just looking at me and others seemed trapped or tormented. I remember in the dream trying to tell different people about these weird primates down in the dungeon, but nobody seemed to care nor did they want me to acknowledge or talk about the dungeon monkeys.

I thought well that was a strange dream. I began to look up the symbols to interpret what they meant. Biblically and in Christian symbolism, a monkey in a dream often represents negative traits like malice, greed, lust, or foolishness. They can symbolize rebellion, deception, or the presence of an enemy acting with cunning. However, some interpretations suggest they may symbolize a need for spiritual wisdom, or in a positive sense, favor with others.

Negative Symbolism vs. Positive Symbolism

Monkeys frequently symbolize wickedness, mischief, and deception in biblical dream interpretation. They may represent people in your life who are manipulative, “fake,” or acting as “unfriendly friends.” Conversely, they can sometimes represent a need for increased intelligence, wit, or God’s wisdom in handling situations. A white monkey might highlight a need for purity or a warning against deception, depending on whether it is playing or aggressive. In short, seeing a monkey in a dream is often viewed as a warning to be cautious, to discern people’s motives, or to guard against folly and spiritual disobedience. (AI Overview)

Life Application

Dreams are like parables or puzzles that require us to seek the Holy Spirit and carefully research with discernment a meaning. I have been interpreting my own dreams for years, and sometimes people ask me to interpret their dreams. As I write this piece, I am getting more and more clarity to how this dream applies to my own life.

Discernment is something that is so important and the Bible says we learn to discern through practice. (Hebrews 5:14)

We discern motives, whether they are good, evil, or simply just carnal.

“For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (Hebrews 5:12-14)

I tend to think the best of people until they give me reason to think otherwise. I can be naïve and foolish when dealing with people in the world to my own fault. It never ceases to amaze me how cold, calculated, and downright fake people can be. I can usually spot a fake person a mile away, but it does get tricky when you want to trust someone but you have that nagging feeling that something is off.

Everything Happens for a Reason

Like my late sister, Kim, always used to say, “Everything happens for a reason.” I will admit we don’t always understand why things happen the way they do, but time and time again I see that there is a reason for everything. We are mortals and only see in part, but God sees the beginning from the end. I chuckle when I am reminded what Proverbs 19:21 says: “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

So back to the monkeys. I am sure you have heard the phrase, “He’s got a monkey on his back.”A monkey on his back is an idiom referring to a major, persistent problem, addiction, or burden that is difficult to get rid of, causing ongoing stress or unhappiness. It signifies a heavy, nagging obligation or obstacle that one cannot easily escape similar to an animal stuck on one’s back. (AI Overview)

In fact, I had a monkey on my back or a burden to write this article. Likely because it will speak to people and give them some insight into issues of the soul or heart. I am a teacher of the Word of God that is what I am primarily called to do. I teach the meat of the Word, not just the milk. So for some this type of teaching might be hard to digest. Regardless, we all have similar experiences in life and maybe this will help someone. Sharpen your discernment by practice and start writing down your dreams and visions. If you would like me to help you interpret a dream, I would be happy to do that.This is not some kind of hocus-pocus this is a gift God has given me.

I am not comparing myself to Daniel in the Bible but do consider that this biblical figure was renowned for interpreting dreams and visions, a gift bestowed upon him by God while in captivity.

He famously interpreted King Nebuchadnezzar’s trouble dreams including the statue of four metals (Daniel 2) and the great tree (Daniel 4) as well as reading the writing on the wall for King Belshazzar in Daniel 5.

“And it shall be in the last days, says God, “That I will pour out My Spirit upon all mankind; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see (divinely prompted) visions, and your old men shall dream (divinely prompted) dreams. (Act 2:17 Amplified)

Galatians 3:28 states, “There is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” He pours out His Spirit on both his sons and daughters. He speaks to us all through dreams and visions, but for lack of knowledge His people perish. So don’t monkey around with these truths, it is time to speak the truth in love no matter how other people try to shut you down or tune you out.

Sure from time to time I get criticized for being a woman and teaching the Word of God, but you see it doesn’t matter what they think. I know my mission, I know my purpose, and I know that there are monkeys in the dungeon. The monkeys in my dungeon are different than the monkeys in your dungeon. The point is it’s time to bring the monkeys out of the darkness of the dungeon and into HIS glorious light. Don’t suppress the monkeys, don’t hide the monkeys, deal with those monkeys!

 

(For help interpreting dreams, you can email me at [email protected])