In dreams and visions, repainting an old wall may mean overwriting the old with the new. The type of room in which we find ourselves gives insight into our life because, in parabolic language, Jesus described man as being like a house (Matthew 12:43-44). In this post we discuss:
- The meaning of different rooms in dreams
- Overwriting old thoughts and memories
- Overwriting old behaviors with the new
- Overwriting the old through dreams
- Overwritten by the Underwriter Blood of Jesus
The meaning of different rooms in dreams
For example, a bathroom relates to cleansing activities, such as repentance, deliverance, or forgiveness. In contrast, we prepare spiritual food, teaching, or knowledge in a kitchen. A living room or den is where a family spends a lot of time and may represent how we interact with other people or pass the time. A bedroom is a place for spiritual rest or intimacy. An attic stores unused memories, and a basement points to foundational issues or our belief system. In different dreams, we may spend more time in one type of room than others.
Overwriting old thoughts and memories
The Bible relates our hearts and mind to tablets. Words written or images engraved on our hearts affect our thoughts and behaviors (Jeremiah 17:1, Hebrews 10:16). Fears, doubts, unbelief, and traumatic memories can leave imprints or scars which influence our thoughts, choices, and behaviors. Similarly, our eyes remember things we have seen, our ears remember things we have heard, and our tongues discern taste. We can hide images from our eyes or stop listening to words we do not like, but these are temporary fixes at best. God gives us self-condition dreams to reveal our deepest fears, harmful habits, negative emotions, or buried desires we may be completely unaware of or prefer not to address. If we ignore these issues, the dreams will recur until we cannot help but take notice.
Change requires the permanent removal of these imprints or memories. Symbolically, this is like deleting unwanted files from computer memory. However, according to computer experts, deleted files only become permanently irretrievable when overwritten with new programs designed for this purpose. Overwriting old, deleted files with the new means anyone will be less likely able to restore them.
Similarly, by forgiving our sins and delivering us from evil (and demons), God is overwriting the old ugly images on the walls of our hearts and mind with His Words about us.
Overwriting old behaviors with the new
We can become so changed that even when exposed to old stressors, behaviors, or addictions, they no longer negatively affect us.
After their Exodus from Egypt, Israel had difficulty separating from the land they had called home for 430 years. Their criticisms and complaints tested Moses’ patience for forty years!
“They said to Moses, “Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you so dealt with us, to bring us up out of Egypt?” (Exodus 14:11, NKJV).
Subsequently, over several generations, Israel adopted the very practices of the former inhabitants that God had strictly forbidden. God recognized the propensity of His people to return to their sin. It was as if the sin engraved their hearts and minds.
“The sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron; with the point of diamond it is engraved on the tablet of their hearts…” (Jeremiah 17:1).
So, God through His prophet Jeremiah spoke that He would make a new covenant with Israel and Judah.
“…I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts…. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.” (Jeremiah 31:33-34).
Essentially, God promised to change their hearts by overwriting the old with the new.
Overwriting the old through dreams
In dreams, painting a wall, scrubbing a floor, or throwing out old furnishings symbolize bringing the new. When we welcome Jesus into our hearts, the Holy Spirit “overwrites the old.” Take note of the color of the paint and the type of room. These help you to understand the changes God is making.
I once saw the inner walls of a building stripped bare and then repainted in a dream. The new color was magenta–violet. I immediately understood the dream meaning. The Lord planned to bring the Spirit of the Fear of the Lord, so the occupants would not depart from Him (Jeremiah 32:40).
In another dream, someone used a washcloth to erase handwritten words from my bedroom door. Though I could not read the writing, I knew they were accusations. Then, the following Scripture came to mind when I awoke.
“[Christ having] wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross (Colossians 2:14).
Overwritten by the Underwriter Blood of Jesus
Isn’t it wonderful that through His Eternal Sacrifice (the Blood), Jesus has the power to bring transformation? He erases fears, heals wounds, and changes thoughts and desires! His Blood cleanses our conscience, leading to behavior changes (Hebrews 9:14). Essentially, through the cross, Lord Jesus “underwrites” (takes on the liability for) our sins. His Love, His Thoughts towards us, and His Words become a paintbrush. Skillfully, He “overwrites the old” memories or roots of sins.
A new year is a perfect time to make changes. Why not commit to spending more time with the Lord in prayer and reading His Word? Doing so will allow Him to do His transforming work. Amen!
Resource: Parables, Dreams & Encounters (#ad)