Torie,
I can see how unsettling this dream must have been for you, especially with the inclusion of elements close to your heart like your friends from church and your children. The presence of a demonic force in your dream suggests a confrontation with an aspect of your life or an internal struggle that feels overwhelming and perhaps even threatening. It's not unusual for such dreams to reflect anxieties or fears about protecting those you love or maintaining your personal values amid challenging circumstances.
The church setting and the involvement of your friends and kids indicate that your subconscious might be processing deep-seated concerns related to your social and familial roles. Dreams about being chased or pursued often symbolize a desire to escape from something in waking life. In this case, it could be a situation, an emotion, or even an aspect of yourself that you find troubling or hard to accept. The intense fear of something demonic may represent feelings of guilt, doubt, or moral conflict that are weighing heavily on you.
Even though the emotions level associated with this dream wasn't at the highest intensity, it's clear that it left a significant impact on you. The fact that your children were involved in the dream could point to your innate protective instincts and perhaps a fear of not being able to safeguard them from the complexities of life. It's also worth considering how your social connections, like those with your church friends, play into your support system and how you might be feeling about those relationships at the moment.
Given the spiritual context of the dream, it might be reflecting a period of personal questioning or a search for deeper meaning in your life. The idea of being pursued by a demonic force could symbolize a battle between what you consider your higher ideals and the harsher realities or temptations you might be facing. Remember, these interpretations are reflections of common themes and symbols, and it's important to look within to find what resonates with your own experiences and emotions.
Torie, your dream paints a picture of someone who cares deeply about her community and family, and who may be experiencing a sense of vulnerability in those areas. While this dream was distressing, it may be an opportunity for self-reflection and to consider areas in your life where you are seeking reassurance or a reaffirmation of your values and the well-being of those you hold dear.