Fantasy versus Dreams… Hope ?!

Fantasy versus Dreams… Hope ?!

During a session of small group coaching, I was talking about the difference between fantasy and dreams. I made an observation that was fascinating to me: perhaps HOPE is the only thing that distinguishes fantasy from dreams!

Now, I’m not talking about the dreams we have while we are asleep. I’m referring to the ones that have to do with our life’s purpose and our future goals. Amazingly our dreams have the power to make our reality. They are founded on the expectation of a better future and provide us with a sense of direction and purpose.

Fantasy Versus Dreams

As far as fantasy, they are those ideas or visuals we use to block out reality. Fantasies often cause us to feel ashamed and alone because fantasies isolate. They disconnect us from our actual reality and separate us from our true life. When we indulge our fantasies, we typically only have our own self-serving desires in mind. Fantasy drives our lives into a ditch and off the road of victorious life! Yes, fantasies make us feel hopeless.

Fantasy often is dissatisfaction with reality, while dreams create it.

Fantasies frequently focus around trying to satisfy our own lust. Fantasies are from self and for self. Dreams, on the other hand, are passion for improving our lives and/or the lives of those around us. And for this reason, having life dreams and vision is crucial. Without the feeling of direction, we only drift aimlessly like a car without a steering wheel. When we have a dream, we are more motivated, concentrated, and there is something to look forward to. Our dreams make life.

Vision and Hope

The Bible tells us that people perish without vision. (Proverbs 29:18) Perish! So isn’t fantasy projections of what can happen? I contend that fantasy is not actual vision but delusion. Fantasy only blinds, preventing us from truly seeing. While dreams and vision can connect us with God to make our reality in Him. He uses vision to establish His Life in our world.

Looking back at my original thought: Is HOPE the only thing that distinguishes fantasy from dreams! I believe yes. As I see it, fantasy defers hope which makes our heart sick, and dreams renew our strength infusing us with living hope.

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31