Hidden Snares

Hidden Snares

When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, be very careful not to imitate the detestable customs of the nations living there. For example, never sacrifice your son or daughter as a burnt offering. And do not let your people practice fortune-telling, or use sorcery, or interpret omens, or engage in witchcraft, or cast spells, or function as mediums or psychics, or call forth the spirits of the dead.

Deuteronomy 18:9-11

Have you ever dabbled in the occult—playing with Ouija boards, looking at tarot cards, having your fortune read, attending a séance? Many women experiment with the occult, particularly in their teenage years. The trouble is, these things can deliver an unexpected payload, leaving us susceptible to the power of evil. If we want to know more of God’s peace, we need to be aware of these hidden dangers, not brushing them off as harmless fun or youthful games but dealing with them seriously and with the help of other Christians.

Remember that the Hebrew word shalom entails the notion of safety. By assuring us of his peace, God is extending a promise of spiritual security. But how can we be secure if we have aligned ourselves with spiritual forces of darkness, whether knowingly or unknowingly? Failing to heed God’s warning against the occult is similar to acting like an impulsive toddler who breaks free of her mother in order to run out into the road. Even a little involvement in occult practices can be dangerous because it can open a door to the supernatural world that ought to remain shut.

What should you do if you have been involved in any kind of occult practices? Begin by asking for God’s forgiveness and protection. If you have any objects that are connected with the occult, such as Ouija boards, horoscopes, or satanic music, symbols, or books, get rid of them. Throw them in the trash and be done with them. Then ask some mature Christians to pray with you. Tell God you renounce Satan, and ask for Christ’s protection. He will give it.

Father, forgive me for any way I have knowingly or unknowingly opened myself to snares by dabbling or being involved in the occult. I want nothing to do with Satan or any of his works. Surround me with your care and protect me, I pray.