The journey of spiritual growth often involves recognizing when the Lord is with you—especially in times of testing. The New Testament and Gnostic texts alike emphasize the significance of trials as opportunities for spiritual refinement. As James 1:2-3 declares, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” These moments, both in waking life and in dreams, are reminders of God’s active presence and guidance in our lives.

A Test in the Parking Lot

One personal example of such a test occurred in an unexpected place—a grocery store parking lot. After parking my truck, I felt a clear, inner prompting: This is a test. Moments later, a man confronted me, accusing me of parking in the wrong spot. The encounter escalated, and despite my initial attempts to reason, I let frustration get the better of me and swore at him.

Reflecting afterward, I recognized that I had failed the test, allowing the external tension to control my reaction. But like Peter, who faltered in faith while walking on water (Matthew 14:30), I was reminded that such failures are part of the process. Each test offers a chance to learn, grow, and refine our spiritual reactions.

Dreams as Divine Training Grounds

Gnostic traditions often highlight the role of dreams as spaces for divine instruction. One dream vividly stands out: before it began, I heard a voice proclaim, The Messenger will be observing. The scenario that unfolded tested my reactions to stressful or antagonistic situations, much like the parking lot incident. This time, however, I succeeded. My angelic guides appeared, cheering me on, affirming that I had overcome.

This process of refinement mirrors the Gnostic concept of spiritual ascent. The Gospel of Thomas (Saying 70) states, “If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you.” The dreams revealed a recurring theme: overcoming not only external provocations but also the subtle and pervasive influence of outward impressions.

Overcoming Outward Impressions

Modern life bombards us with an overwhelming stream of media, entertainment, and random content. Social media platforms, with their endless scrolling, embody this challenge. My guides have repeatedly shown me how the seemingly “innocent” consumption of random images, videos, or social feeds creates a cumulative effect—a mosaic of impressions that forms a grotesque “beast” within our consciousness.

Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount align with this warning. When He says, “If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away” (Matthew 5:30), He emphasizes the need to eliminate anything that hinders our connection with God. For me, this has meant cutting off unnecessary media consumption, avoiding endless scrolling, and being intentional about what I allow into my mind and spirit.

Practical Steps for Spiritual Clarity

To create space for God’s light within, we must “thin out” human consciousness. This involves simplifying our external environment and eliminating distractions:

  1. Declutter Your Life: Rid your home of unnecessary items. If you haven’t used something in six months, let it go.
  2. Mind Your Diet: What you consume physically affects you spiritually. Fasting and dietary mindfulness help align the body and spirit.
  3. Dopamine Detox: Take regular breaks from media, music, and unnecessary stimulation. Quietness invites God’s presence.
  4. Replace Addictions with Virtues: Replace passive consumption with active engagement—read, create art, exercise, or spend time in nature.

These practices reflect the call to “be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). As Gnostic teachings remind us, the path to God requires turning inward, away from external distractions.

The Light of the Lord

The ultimate goal is to become “full of light,” as Jesus teaches in Luke 11:34: “When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light.” In meditation and prayer, I often observe this light as a piercing, warming presence. It fills me with peace and the assurance of God’s love, even after days filled with worldly distractions.

Enlightenment, in this sense, is not mere wisdom but being truly full of light. Gnostic texts frequently equate light with divine knowledge and salvation. The Gospel of Philip declares, “The light and the darkness, life and death, right and left, are brothers to one another. They are inseparable. Because of this neither are the good good, nor evil evil, nor is life life, nor death death.” True enlightenment transcends duality and brings us into union with God’s pure light.

The Journey Continues

This process is ongoing. Every test, whether in daily life or dreams, prepares us for greater communion with God. The more we eliminate the distractions and impressions of the world, the more space we create for God’s presence to dwell within us.

As we navigate this journey, may we remember the words of 2 Corinthians 4:6: “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”

In striving to be full of light, we fulfill our purpose—to be vessels of God’s presence in a world yearning for redemption.