Peculiar experience, need interpretation...

[ghostly]

Lately I've been greatly seeking the Lord and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The other night I was extremely restless as I tried to sleep. I constantly in my spirit was crying out to the Holy Spirit, I tossed and turned like this for hours in a half-sleep, with my heart just crying out. After so much of this, and being not fully alseep or awake either one, I felt a little voice in my head say "The Devil is here" and then within my mind I could see a large Lion in my living room... huge. I prayed within me repeatedly "Holy Spirit strengthen me" and I went and attacked the Lion, I think I defeated it.

I'm not sure what to think. Any thoughts?

 

[Bellicus]

My thoughts: This seems like confusion to me. There is no need to actually fight the devil. He has already been conquered. And if you follow the Spirit, then the devil have no power over you. You choose if you want to be a slave to your flesh or a slave to God. The bible tells us to conquer the evil with the good. And that is quite simple. That does not mean fighting with the devil. That means following the Spirit instead of running away from him. If you get tempted and fall, then you ask for forgiveness and continue following the guidance of the Spirit in your life. This you do as long as you live, and as long as you don't give up, that is the road to heaven.

 

[heron]

We are more than conquerors through Christ who strengthens us.
Hey, welcome to the forum!

Lately I've been greatly seeking the Lord and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The other night I was extremely restless as I tried to sleep. I constantly in my spirit was crying out to the Holy Spirit, I tossed and turned like this for hours in a half-sleep, with my heart just crying out. After so much of this, and being not fully alseep or awake either one, I felt a little voice in my head say "The Devil is here" and then within my mind I could see a large Lion in my living room... huge. I prayed within me repeatedly "Holy Spirit strengthen me" and I went and attacked the Lion, I think I defeated it.

God has heard your prayers.
I remember a time of wrestling like that, and sometimes it felt like I was getting nowhere. Much of my prayer at that time was whining, greiving, despairing. That might not be true of you.

It took me a few good teachings to jostle me out of that and into a firmer stance. I do think that the crying out was important, and sometimes we don't even know why. The Spirit intercedes with groanings... and whether it was for you, or for someone else, who knows! You allowed His Spirit to pray through you.

Three different directions with this:

1. When I was in despair, I was also subject to harassment. When I finally realized that the harassing thoughts could be demonic, I was able to get rid of them instantly. Like the lion.

2. Yes, resist the devil and he will flee. You did that, and the lion - spirit fled.

3. God can intercede through you. When you yield to praying in the Spirit, you might be praying for people halfway around the equator. You might be praying for your country (and there is certainly enough turmoil to pray over!). You might have been praying for your own future.

There is not a lot of scriptural basis for this, but there's a bit.

Romans 8:26
In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

1 Corinthians 14:15-18
I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the mind; I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the mind.

Else, if you bless in the spirit, the one occupying the place of the unlearned, how will he say the amen at your giving of thanks, since he does not know what you say?

Ex 6:5
And I also have heard the groaning of the sons of Israel, whom the Egyptians are enslaving. And I have remembered My covenant.

Ps 6:6
I am weary in my groaning; I shall make my bed swim in all the night; I melt my couch with my tears.

Ps 79:11
Let the groaning of the prisoner come before You. According to the greatness of Your arm, preserve the sons of death.

Eze 9:4
And Jehovah said to him, Pass through in the midst of the city, in the midst of Jerusalem, and mark a mark on the foreheads of the men who are groaning and are mourning over all the abominations that are done in her midst.(See also Mark 8:12, Ac 19:6 )


Did you ever hear the story of the missionary whose house was about to get attacked, when the attackers ran away in fright? When friends from their home church were praying, angels across the globe surrounded the missionary's house. God can work through our prayers.

There's a book that reminds me of your experience -- it was written by Frank Hultgren, on spiritual warfare.

We wrestle not against flesh and blood.
​

 

[ghostly]

Bellicus, there is a constant need to be on guard against the snares of the Devil. If there is no need to fight with him then the Bible would not tell us to wear the full armor of God.

If anyone has an interpretation of what I experienced, please share.

 

[ghostly]

Heron, thank you for sharing your thoughts. My state of mind isn't really similar to what you describe that you went through... I'm not doing a lot of whining and despairing, merely seeking guidance, comfort, direction and focus. You mention yielding to praying in the spirit, I do want to do that. I've never received the gift of the prayer language, but feel it would strengthen my relationship with the Holy Spirit greatly if I can. It's one of the things I seek.

 

[drich0150]

and then within my mind I could see a large Lion in my living room... huge. I prayed within me repeatedly "Holy Spirit strengthen me" and I went and attacked the Lion, I think I defeated it.

Did the lion look real?, What was it doing? What do you think it was there for? What would have happened if you left it alone? What did you attack it with? Could you feel it when you attacked? When you "pounced" was there a struggle or was it instantly gone? were there any sounds from the lion? Was there a command to attack? How did you feel just before you attacked? How did you feel afterward? Have you seen any other "spirit animals" Before/since? after the attack were you able to sleep? Did you finally feel at peace?

Now that you have had some time to think what do you think it all means?

 

[Bellicus]

Bellicus, there is a constant need to be on guard against the snares of the Devil. If there is no need to fight with him then the Bible would not tell us to wear the full armor of God.

The bible actually never tells us to fight with the devil. The closest thing I can think about is when Jesus got tempted, but Jesus didn't fight, Jesus only told what the scripture said. And this is also the sword we have as Christian: The word of God. We don't take the bible and actually fight the devil with the bible. We learn the the scripture, and as the scripture says: Preaching about the gospel is what gives us faith. And the faith is the armor we have.

And what I meant by confusion, is that it seemed to me that this you were describing was something that was happening in your mind, and your mind is not what the spirit world is like. But forgive me if I misunderstood somehow, cause this is things that used to think about when I started to believe, but I see now that that was just things that I was thinking about (fighting with demons and the devil like a action-movie in my head) And how would attacking the devil bring anything to you? Can he be killed or even wounded? He is not a human like us, but the spirit of this world. And that is why I told you to instead follow the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit is not the spirit of this world, so you will be safe like that.

God bless

 

[DreamsAreFree]

I have seen this sort of thing in ministry. The Bible tells us that the devil goes around like a roaring lion. The important thing is that you called out to God and defeated the lion. Whatever it was has been taken care of in God. I would look at it as a deliverance and celebrate that.

 

[ghostly]

Did the lion look real?

It looked very, very real but larger than a natural lion. It was huge, the length of it's body must have been nearly ten feet. It was extremely muscular and stout. It didn't have a huge mane.

What was it doing?

Just standing there in the living room with a phenomenal presense, not necessarily looking peaceful... it looked very intense, and was.

What do you think it was there for?

I don't know. I only know that just before I seen it, I felt the impression within my mind - "The Devil is here". Then I seen it vividly.

What would have happened if you left it alone?

I don't know.

What did you attack it with?

It seems as if I had something in my hands but I'm not certain of that detail.

Could you feel it when you attacked? When you "pounced" was there a struggle or was it instantly gone?

It didn't lash out against me. It was not instantly gone, I attacked it three times and then it was gone.

were there any sounds from the lion?

No.

Was there a command to attack? How did you feel just before you attacked? How did you feel afterward?

No, there was not a command to attack. And just before I attacked, I didn't necessarily feel anything specific... I was just reacting to the impression in my mind, those words "The Devil is here". I felt that, then seen the Lion, then prayed for the Holy Spirit to strengthen me, and I attacked.

Have you seen any other "spirit animals" Before/since? after the attack were you able to sleep? Did you finally feel at peace?

Not specifically like this, no. After the experience, I did eventually drift off to sleep for a few hours. And no I don't feel at complete peace.

Now that you have had some time to think what do you think it all means?

Strange as this may sound, for all I know the Lion was a good thing and not a bad thing. I'm unsure if I was attacking something of darkness or something that was of God. I do of course, want to assume & believe that I was attacking something of darkness... I hope that is the case. Things are not always as they seem though, that's why I was hoping the Spirit would move someone to clearly interpret.

In any event, I'm still seeking him diligently.

 

[ghostly]

I have seen this sort of thing in ministry. The Bible tells us that the devil goes around like a roaring lion. The important thing is that you called out to God and defeated the lion. Whatever it was has been taken care of in God. I would look at it as a deliverance and celebrate that.

You could be right. I hope so.

 

[Vi]

I wrote down my dreams for several years, as therapy to figure out, or help figure out - what I was thinking about and feeling down inside. I was not allowing the feelings to come out but was repressing them.

If you feel that dreams are symbolic and interpret our thoughts and feelings, as I do, you might consider dream interpretation.

Here are but two interpretations, be aware to find a good book for dream interpretations, and write down your dreams before you get out of bed, and write also your feelings in the dreams, and important details.

Lions are usually a regal dream symbol of power and pride. In a woman’s dream, it may represent the male aspect of her psyche. A Freudian interpretation may consider lions to represent the powerful and admired aspect of the father. It may also symbolize your ‘animal’ nature or your aggressiveness and will to power.

here are two other items of interest, which might be internalized for you in your unconscience, and have meaning that is coming out in the symbol of the lion:

In the Tarot cards, the Lion is a symbol of strength that can be controlled by gentleness (symbolized by a woman dressed in white). Astrology tells us that Leos, the sign of the Lion, are gregarious and like to be the center of attention. Perhaps your dream is saying that you are displaying these egocentric qualities?

hope that gives you another use for your dreams.

BTW, I believe in a holy communication, and dreams and visions. I'm just thinking this was just a dream.

 

[Elijah2]

Lately I've been greatly seeking the Lord and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The other night I was extremely restless as I tried to sleep. I constantly in my spirit was crying out to the Holy Spirit, I tossed and turned like this for hours in a half-sleep, with my heart just crying out. After so much of this, and being not fully alseep or awake either one, I felt a little voice in my head say "The Devil is here" and then within my mind I could see a large Lion in my living room... huge. I prayed within me repeatedly "Holy Spirit strengthen me" and I went and attacked the Lion, I think I defeated it.

I'm not sure what to think. Any thoughts?

Hi mate, I know many have answered you, and why bother thinking about.

It's just one of those things that is part and parcel of walking with our Lord Jesus Christ.

Those snippets are those things of earthly and heavenly things of the natural and supernatural realms that will mature you and make you strong.

You fought the lion and you won, just keep walking in faith, and don't put any notches on your gun.

It's just one of the many skirmishes you will have with the lion.

Be blessed in Jesus' Name.

 

[Child-of-Zion]

The bible actually never tells us to fight with the devil.
The closest thing I can think about is when Jesus got tempted, but Jesus didn't fight, Jesus only told what the scripture said.

--"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."-- Hebrews 4:12

Sharper than any double-edged sword, living and active... and the fact that Jesus used it to combat Satan's words in the desert sounds an awful lot like warfare to me.

And this is also the sword we have as Christian: The word of God. We don't take the bible and actually fight the devil with the bible.

I have, and many friends of mine have too. I can't tell you how many times when, in the face of temptation, I have quoted Scripture and promptly told the devil or other demonic force to leave in the name of Jesus. And the battle was won.

Ephesians 6 refers to putting on spiritual battle armor. And verse 12 says this;

--"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."--

The NIV version says 'struggle' and the KJV says 'we wrestle' which is a better translation of the Greek word it's translated from. The Bible says we are in a struggle against demonic forces, and that includes the devil. In Mark 16:17 Jesus says those who believe will drive out demons. This is an offensive move, meaning that there are times when we go on the offense. (sidenote; This is to be done with discretion and guidance from the Holy Spirit. Not every demon can necessarily be driven out by every believer)

 

[Elijah2]

Lately I've been greatly seeking the Lord and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The other night I was extremely restless as I tried to sleep. I constantly in my spirit was crying out to the Holy Spirit, I tossed and turned like this for hours in a half-sleep, with my heart just crying out. After so much of this, and being not fully alseep or awake either one, I felt a little voice in my head say "The Devil is here" and then within my mind I could see a large Lion in my living room... huge. I prayed within me repeatedly "Holy Spirit strengthen me" and I went and attacked the Lion, I think I defeated it.

I'm not sure what to think. Any thoughts?

I thought I had posted an answer to this thread.

Anyway, when we open ourself up to seeking, sometimes when we are not fully right with our Lord Jesus Christ we open a doorway into the other side, particularly if we are restless.

In fact, a lot of this restlessness happens a lot during the "full moon" phase. Most activity happens between the hours of 1AM to 4AM. The period of time that the demons are released.

We do cry out a lot while we are asleep, and much spiritual activity is generated, and that is a nother reason why pillows and the mattress ends up with strange brown, dark stains around the position of the head on the pillow and the mattress of the upper frame.

When you toss to and fro in the early hours of the morning, it's mainly attacks through the powers of darkness.

There is a possibility that you where visited by someone doing astral travel. Any idea what time of the month and moon phase did you experience this?

Always remember that no weapons (spiritual hexes, etc.) formed against you will prosper, and that our Lord Jesus Christ will condemn those who send those spoken words (spiritual curses) against you.

Many can read much into it, but it was just a "nightmare" as they say, which is demonic.

If you are in our Lord Jesus Christ then who can be against you.

Be blessed in Jesus' Name.

 

[drich0150]

If you were dreaming I'd refer you to the "Dreams Moods Dictionary." It says:


To see a lion in your dream, symbolizes great strength, aggression and power. You will overcome your emotions and/or difficulties. As king of the jungle, the lion also represents royalty, leadership, pride and dominion. You have much influence over others. You may also need to exercise restraint in your own personal and social life.
To dream that you are attacked by a lion, indicates that you have many obstacles to overcome. You must resist the force that is driving you to self-destruction.
But since this wasn't a REM sleep induced dream, I can only guess that you should take comfort in not only your actions but the outcome as well. you were faced with what in most peoples minds (accurate or not) was something that could destroy not only the flesh but the spirit. Not only did you face that fear you rallied or called on God to give you strength and attacked what you believed to be "the devil" With nothing more than a hope God would back you and your Pj's.

If it were me, there would have been a couple 12 Gage holes where that lion stood, and then maybe a cry for spiritual support afterward. Whatever the symbolism meant, I would take comfort in my actions and continue to grow spiritually, and get to know God better. Because even though this lion was immaterial this time, it doesn't mean the devil is without "teeth."

 

[kellyc]

maybe it was just a dream, or something your mind was working out. here is something our pastor wrote, it's interesting.
http://www.leadingtheway.org/site/PageServer?pagename=sto_KnowYourRealEnemy

 

[quitespirit]

I would be cautious in seeking help from people on the forum in matters up supernatural dreams and interpretations. There is no way to know if the feed back you get is from someone with a genuine gift of interpretation, or a well meaning but mistaken believer, or even someone seeking to undermine your walk with God.

Even with someone who is confirmed in interpreting dreams we need to use discernment. We are imperfect beings, and we must way interpretations against the bible.

I know it was suggested to you to read dream interpretation books. I wouldn't recommend that- and this is just my opinion, I have no verse to back it up. But does God inspire a dream book used by believers and unbelievers alike to interperate messages that are supernatural? I hear the most talk about those book from people into the occult. I give it no spiritual credit at all. God speaks personally, not in a cookie cutter fashion.

Have you considered asking a leader in your church about your dream? If you think it is prophetic have you considered what it means to you and if it applies to you? Or if it may be meant for someone else, or your church as a whole?

Perhaps your dream is a warning from God. The devil prowels around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. All the more reason in my mind to be careful whos influance you entertain on the matter of interpretation of this dream.

I hope that helps you. I speak only out of genuine concern.

Peace

 

[ghostly]

Just a word to acknowledge the posters and your comments... God bless...

 

[Elijah2]

Just a word to acknowledge the posters and your comments... God bless...

And may our Lord Jesus Christ bless you to as well mate.

Be blessed in Jesus' Name.