In elementary school I couldn’t wait for the Scholastic book flyers to come out. I would pour over them like a Christmas catalog. (If you’re too young to know what a Christmas catalog is, hit me up and I’ll explain what that was and the utter joy and entertainment that it would bring.) My family didn’t have a lot of money, but Mom never said “no” to a book order form.
My favorite books were the spooky ones. Ghost stories were always mysterious and would really draw me in. As I got older, I loved scary movies too. They were fun and exciting.
When I was a teen, there was a very famous book and movie out that was supposedly a true story. I gobbled it up! Read the book. Watched the movie. Watched talk shows that interviewed the actors, author, and filmmakers. I was very intrigued. Until…
I was awakened one night with the vision of a creature standing at the foot of my bed watching me. It was terrifying. I assumed that it was just a nightmare, but it was more vivid than any I had ever had before.
Then, I went to see another very scary movie. Rather, I should say that I saw some of it. My eyes were closed half of the time! I remember walking to the car in the dark that night. I told God that I would never watch another scary movie again. It just didn’t feel right somehow. I asked Him to help me sleep through the night.
God obliged me with a good night’s sleep, and I have kept my promise. It’s been over 40 years since then and I no longer watch, read, or feed my mind on anything of the occult.
Fast forward a couple decades from that last scary movie…
I began to have times that I felt unexplainable fear when I walked into my bedroom at night. I remember one time when I was alone in the house. I had a terrifying “dream” that repeated over and over all night long.
I began having night terrors with regularity. I would scream in my sleep. Sometimes I didn’t remember anything. Other times, I would wake up and see a creature standing over me. Sound familiar?
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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.” Ephesians 6:11-12
After a while, I learned to call on Jesus out loud when these things happened. I now have peace and am no longer tormented by these things. I am by no means an expert in this area, but I believe that my childhood curiosity and choosing to fill my mind with dark things left a cracked door for spirits to sneak in.
I encourage you to think about things you have done or read or watched that might not be God’s best for you. Ask God to show you if there’s something that you need to stop or change your attitude about. Search the Bible to see what you may have missed before – or purposely ignored. I have seen how curiosity can open doors that I wish that I hadn’t opened, and I don’t want you to miss how important it is to be cautious.
“The worship and seeking of supernatural powers other than God have been around since the beginning. Satan has used witchcraft to prevent people from finding holy spirituality in God alone. He uses witchcraft such as mediums, horoscopes, and games to entice people away from God and toward a power that gives self-enlightenment. The Bible speaks often on the consequences of following false idols and falsehood.” www.biblestudytools.com
“Do not defile yourselves by turning to mediums or to those who consult the spirits of the dead. I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 19:31
“When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?” Isaiah 8:19
Let’s remember this: Supernatural things are not make-believe. It is not “just fun.” Witches are real. Demons are real. Ghosts are a thing, but they are not the spirits of dead people roaming earth.
“Just as a cloud dissipates and vanishes, those who die will not come back. They are gone forever from their home — never to be seen again.” Job 7:9-10
“And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment.” Hebrews 9:27
Want to learn more? Click here for an excellent resource that is backed by scripture.
Additionally, check out the articles and video below to help you think it through; but as always, the Bible is your best resource for Truth and insight:
Got Questions article: “How should a Christian respond to evidence of paranormal activity?”
Bible Study Tools article and corresponding scripture: “What does the Bible say about ghosts?”
“The time a Christian visited a psychic” Melissa Dougherty video:
Mandy Hood
Mandy Hood is co-founder and executive director of The Connection. She authored the book, “Let’s Get Together: The story of a unique women’s ministry.” She hopes the book will be a stepping stone to building a supportive network of community-based ministries.
Mandy and her husband have been married for 44 years. Together, they enjoy camping and traveling. Every year, they look forward to GramCamp – three days of spoiling and fun with their three favorite young men.
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