It’s About God. Not U.

That’s such a vulnerable question, and it shows a heart that’s already seeking God’s truth. Feeling shame is a signal, but it’s not the end of the story. It’s a moment to pause and reflect. Let’s unpack it.

First, shame isn’t from God. Conviction is. God convicts to bring us closer to Him, not to push us away. Shame, on the other hand, is a tool the enemy uses to make you feel stuck, like you’re unworthy of His love or grace. But here’s the truth: God already knows every choice you’ve made, and He still loves you. His arms are always open, waiting for you to come closer.

Now, about tarot. It can feel like a quick way to find answers, especially when life feels uncertain. But God asks us to trust Him fully, even when answers don’t come as fast or clear as we’d like. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Leaning on things like tarot can sometimes reflect a struggle to fully trust God’s timing or His plan, and trust me, that’s something we’ve all wrestled with.

Does that mean you don’t trust God at all? Not necessarily. It might just mean you’re in a season where your faith is growing, and you’re learning how to lean on Him more fully. God doesn’t expect us to have perfect trust right out of the gate. It’s a journey, not a pass-or-fail test.

The beautiful thing is, when we recognize we’ve been leaning on something other than God, we get to turn back to Him. That’s repentance, not a scary word, but a loving invitation to redirect our focus. James 4:8 promises, “Come near to God and He will come near to you.” He’s ready to help you let go of anything that’s holding you back from fully trusting Him.

If you’re feeling the weight of relying on tarot, take it to God in prayer. Be honest with Him about your fears, your doubts, and even your reasons for turning to it in the first place. Ask Him to fill those spaces with His presence and His peace. The fact that you’re even asking this question shows you’re already moving in the right direction.

Take a deep breath. Feeling guilt is heavy, but it’s not the end of your story. Mistakes don’t define you. How you respond to them does, and the fact that you’re asking this question shows that you’re ready to step into something new. That’s a powerful place to be.

Here’s the truth: None of us gets it right all the time. Romans 3:23 lays it out, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” But it doesn’t stop there. The next verse reminds us we’re “justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24). Translation? God already made a way for you to start fresh through Jesus.

Guilt can feel like a chain, but God doesn’t work in chains. He works in freedom. That’s what forgiveness is about. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” When you bring those mistakes to God, He doesn’t just forgive; He wipes the slate clean. You don’t have to carry yesterday’s baggage into tomorrow.

Starting fresh begins with a shift in mindset. Guilt says, “Look at what I’ve done.” Grace says, “Look at what Jesus has done.” The enemy wants you stuck, replaying your failures like a broken record. But God calls you forward. Isaiah 43:18-19 says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” That’s your permission to stop staring at the rearview mirror and start looking ahead.

Here’s a practical step: Make room for God. Dive into His Word, not as a chore but as a lifeline. Prayer doesn’t have to be formal, just talk to Him. Share your heart. Ask Him to guide you, to heal what’s broken, and to show you the next step.

Also, give yourself grace. Growth takes time. Mistakes are part of the journey, not the end of it. Even Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, messed up big time. He denied Jesus three times. But Jesus didn’t cast him aside. He restored him and used him to build the early church. If God can redeem Peter’s story, He can redeem yours too.

So, here’s the bottom line: Don’t let guilt keep you stuck. God’s love is bigger than your mistakes, and His mercy is new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Bring your past to Him, let it go, and step into the fresh start He’s already prepared for you. You’ve got this because He’s got you.

That’s such an important question, and it shows you’re already practicing discernment, which is a big deal. Spiritual practices can feel enlightening, but not everything that feels “good” or “right” is actually from God. Let’s unpack this together.

First, let’s go to the foundation: God’s Word. Scripture is the ultimate filter. Isaiah 8:20 says, “Consult God’s instruction and the testimony of warning. If anyone does not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.” If a practice doesn’t align with Scripture, that’s your first red flag. For example, if it’s pointing you inward, like you’re the source of power, instead of upward to God, it’s already misaligned.

Ask yourself these key questions:

1. Does this practice draw me closer to God or make me depend on something else? God wants a direct relationship with you. If the practice makes you rely on tools, rituals, or external sources for guidance instead of going to Him, that’s a sign to reevaluate. Jeremiah 17:5 warns, “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh.”

2. Is it centered on truth or feelings? Feelings can be tricky. Just because something feels comforting or powerful doesn’t mean it’s rooted in God’s truth. Satan is known for disguising himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). Discernment means asking, “Is this practice about truth or about what makes me feel good in the moment?”

3. What fruit is it producing in my life? Jesus said in Matthew 7:16, “You will know them by their fruits.” A godly practice produces peace, humility, and a deeper relationship with Christ. If a practice is leaving you confused, anxious, or more focused on yourself than on God, that’s a huge warning sign.

Another big indicator is what the practice glorifies. Is it glorifying God or something else, like self, the universe, or “higher powers”? God is clear in Isaiah 42:8: “I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols.”

One last check: What’s your gut telling you? The Holy Spirit is your built-in guide for truth. John 16:13 says, “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth.” If you feel an uneasiness or a little tug in your spirit that something is off, don’t ignore it. Pray on it. Ask God to reveal what’s behind it.

It’s also okay to seek wisdom from trusted, biblically grounded people. Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Sometimes, someone with more experience can help you see what you might be missing.

At the end of the day, God wants you to walk in freedom and truth, not confusion or bondage. His path will always point back to Him and His Word. If something feels off or isn’t leading you to a deeper trust in God, that’s your cue to step back and pray for clarity. Don’t rush it. God will guide you when you ask.

I’m really sorry you’ve been hurt. Church hurt can cut deep, especially when it comes from a place that’s supposed to feel safe. Let’s start with this truth: people can fail us, but God doesn’t. Even when it feels like the two are tangled, they’re not the same. Let’s untangle that together.

First, it’s okay to feel what you feel. Hurt, betrayal, anger, God can handle it all. He’s not scared of your questions or your doubts. In fact, the Bible is full of people crying out to God after being hurt. David wrote in Psalm 13:1, “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?” God didn’t push him away for feeling betrayed. He met David in his pain. He’ll meet you in yours too.

But here’s the thing, people in the church are human. They’re broken, just like the rest of us. Even the best-intentioned people mess up, and sometimes, it’s those mess-ups that hurt the most. But their failures don’t define who God is. God is still good, even when His people fall short. Numbers 23:19 reminds us, “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind.” He’s consistent, even when others aren’t.

Start by separating the character of God from the actions of people. People can misrepresent Him, but that doesn’t change His love, His faithfulness, or His truth. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). He hasn’t abandoned you, even if it feels like others have.

It might also help to remember that Jesus understands betrayal on a deeply personal level. He was betrayed by someone in His inner circle, denied by a close friend, and abandoned by the very people who claimed to love Him. He knows what it’s like to feel let down by people. When you bring your pain to Him, you’re talking to someone who truly gets it.

Rebuilding trust takes time, and that’s okay. Start small. Talk to God honestly about your hurt, even if all you can say is, “God, I don’t trust You right now, but I want to.” That’s enough. Trust grows through consistent, honest relationship. Spend time in His Word, not because you have to, but because it reminds you who He really is. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Let Him be close to you.

If you’re ready, consider connecting with a church or group of believers who align with God’s heart. Not every church is the same. Seek out one that prioritizes humility, love, and accountability. But don’t rush this step. Let God lead you when the time feels right.

Lastly, be patient with yourself. Healing isn’t linear, and trust doesn’t rebuild overnight. But God is gentle and patient. He’ll walk with you every step of the way. Remember, His love for you isn’t tied to the actions of people. He’s faithful, even when everything else feels shaky. He’s got you. Always.

Regret can weigh heavy, especially when it feels like you’ve opened doors you wish you hadn’t. But here’s the good news: God’s power is greater than anything you’ve encountered, and His mercy is big enough to cover every regret. You don’t have to stay stuck. Freedom is possible.

First, acknowledge what’s happened. Bringing those choices into the light is powerful. The enemy thrives in secrecy, but God works in truth (John 8:32). Pray honestly. Tell God exactly what practices you engaged in, what doors you feel you opened, and how you’re feeling about it. He already knows, but confession is about aligning your heart with His truth.

Next, renounce those practices in Jesus’ name. Say it out loud if you need to: “I renounce [specific practice] and any influence it has over my life in the name of Jesus Christ.” Why out loud? Because there’s power in speaking God’s authority over what’s held you. Philippians 2:10 says, “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” That’s the authority you’re standing in.

Invite God to take over those areas of your life. Surrender those regrets, fears, and any lingering attachments to Him. Pray for His protection and for the Holy Spirit to fill the spaces where those influences once lived. Ephesians 6:10-11 reminds us to “be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” and to “put on the full armor of God.” Ask Him to clothe you in His strength and truth as you move forward.

Also, consider removing physical reminders of those practices. That could mean clearing out books, tools, or symbols tied to what you’re walking away from. Acts 19:19 tells the story of new believers in Ephesus who burned their scrolls of sorcery as a declaration of their new life in Christ. Letting go of those items can be a powerful way to close those doors spiritually and emotionally.

Breaking free might also mean seeking accountability and prayer support. Find someone you trust, a pastor, mentor, or a prayer partner, who can stand with you as you walk through this. James 5:16 says, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” Healing often comes through community.

If you’re feeling weighed down by guilt or fear, remember this: Jesus didn’t just come to forgive sins. He came to set captives free (Luke 4:18). Whatever influence those practices had over you is no match for His power. When you belong to Him, those chains have to break.

And finally, don’t forget to fill yourself with God’s truth. Immerse yourself in His Word, worship, and prayer. As you draw closer to Him, His light will push out anything trying to linger in the shadows. Romans 8:37 says, “In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” You’re not fighting this battle alone.

Yes, it’s completely normal to feel that pull, especially if New Age practices were a big part of your life. When you’ve spent time engaging in something that feels empowering, familiar, or even comforting, your mind and heart can struggle to fully let go. But here’s the truth: those feelings don’t mean you’re failing. They just mean you’re human.

Think about it like breaking a habit. Just because you’ve left doesn’t mean the attraction to it vanishes overnight. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck or powerless. In fact, recognizing that pull is the first step in overcoming it. You’re becoming more aware of what’s trying to pull you back, and that awareness is a victory in itself.

Here’s the thing: the enemy loves to use nostalgia and feelings of longing to make what you left behind seem better than it really was. Remember the Israelites in the wilderness? They longed to go back to Egypt because they forgot the bondage they’d experienced there (Numbers 11:4-6). That’s what the enemy tries to do, make you look back with rose-colored glasses and forget why you left in the first place.

When those feelings come up, remind yourself why you walked away. Think about the emptiness, the confusion, or the spiritual deception you may have experienced. You chose to leave for a reason, and stepping into God’s truth is worth every ounce of struggle.

This is also where Scripture becomes your anchor. Fill your mind and heart with God’s Word. When you feel the pull, remind yourself of verses like 2 Corinthians 10:5, which says, “We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Speak God’s truth over yourself, even when your emotions are trying to pull you in another direction.

It’s also helpful to replace the practices you left behind with God-centered ones. Were you drawn to meditation? Try meditating on Scripture. Did you find comfort in rituals? Create a daily rhythm of prayer and worship. Let God fill the spaces where those practices once lived. Psalm 16:11 says, “In Your presence there is fullness of joy.” Nothing the New Age offered can compare to what you’ll find in Him.

Be patient with yourself in this process. Temptation doesn’t mean you’re failing, it means you’re still growing. And growth takes time. Philippians 1:6 reminds us that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” God hasn’t given up on you, and He won’t.

Finally, don’t walk this journey alone. Share these feelings with someone who can pray for you, encourage you, and remind you of the truth when the pull feels strong. Having that kind of support makes a world of difference.

You’ve already taken a huge step by leaving. Keep going. God’s got you, and His grace is more than enough to carry you forward.

Yes, there’s absolutely hope for you. The idea that you’ve gone too far is one of the enemy’s favorite lies. He wants you to feel stuck, ashamed, and cut off from God’s love. But here’s the truth: there’s no place you can go that’s beyond the reach of God’s grace. None.

Think about the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15. The son walked away, messed up big time, and hit rock bottom. But what did the father do when the son decided to return? He didn’t slam the door. He ran to him, embraced him, and celebrated his return. That’s a picture of how God feels about you. He’s not waiting to punish you. He’s waiting to welcome you back with open arms.

Romans 8:38-39 says it loud and clear: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers… will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Nothing you’ve done, no mistake, no path you’ve walked down can separate you from His love. It’s that deep. It’s that relentless.

God specializes in redemption. Think about Paul, he literally persecuted Christians, but God didn’t just forgive him. He transformed him and used him to spread the Gospel. Or Peter, who denied Jesus three times, yet Jesus restored him and made him a foundational leader of the church. These aren’t exceptions. They’re proof of how God works. He’s not done with you either.

The first step is simply turning back to Him. And you don’t need to have the perfect words or clean yourself up first. Just be honest. Tell Him how you feel, what you regret, and where you’re hurting. Psalm 51:17 says, “A broken and contrite heart, God, You will not despise.” God honors your humility and your desire to come back to Him.

After that, let His Word remind you of His promises. Read verses like 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” That’s a promise. Not a maybe. Not a we’ll see. God forgives, period.

You might still wrestle with guilt or shame, but remember: those feelings don’t define you. God’s grace does. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” When you turn back to God, He doesn’t just forgive you. He gives you a fresh start.

Lean into His grace, one step at a time. Pray. Surround yourself with people who will remind you of God’s truth and love. Let God’s Spirit guide you forward. And every time the enemy whispers that it’s too late, remind him of the cross. Jesus paid it all, and that includes your story.

You’re not too far gone. God’s love goes further than any mistake, any regret, or any fear. There’s more than hope for you, there’s a new beginning. And God is ready to walk it with you.

Feeling disconnected from God, even when you’ve been praying, can be tough. It makes you wonder if He’s listening or if something is wrong on your end. But let me reassure you. God hears every word, and His love for you hasn’t changed. Disconnection doesn’t mean He’s distant. Sometimes it’s about the space we’re navigating in our own hearts and minds.

First, let’s talk about expectations. Prayer isn’t always about instant connection or a rush of emotion. It’s not like flipping a switch. Sometimes, it’s more like planting seeds. You don’t see the growth immediately, but that doesn’t mean nothing’s happening. In fact, Isaiah 55:11 reminds us that God’s Word never returns void. If you’re praying, there’s movement, even if you don’t feel it yet.

Second, consider what’s crowding your heart. Just like static can mess up a clear radio signal, distractions, unconfessed sin, or emotional wounds can make it harder to feel God’s presence. Psalm 139:23-24 is a great place to start: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Be honest with God about what’s weighing on you. He’s not looking for perfection, just surrender.

Are there distractions or sin that might be clouding your connection with God? Psalm 66:18 says, “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” This doesn’t mean God turns away from sinners, we all fall short, but unrepented sin can build walls between you and God. It could be time to pray honestly: “God, reveal anything in me that needs to be confessed.”

It’s also worth asking if prayer has become more of a routine than a relationship. Are you talking to God, or are you just reciting words out of habit? God wants intimacy, not performance. Try shifting your prayers from “What can I say?” to “How can I just be with God?” Sometimes, that might mean sitting in silence, journaling your thoughts, or just telling Him how your day went like you’d talk to a close friend.

Another thing to remember is that spiritual dryness isn’t new. Even people like David and Job experienced it. Psalm 13:1 says, “How long, Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?” If you’ve ever felt that way, you’re in good company. Disconnection doesn’t mean God is absent. It’s often an invitation to go deeper.

Lastly, consider how you’re nourishing your faith outside of prayer. Are you reading God’s Word? Are you spending time in worship? Are you surrounded by community? Prayer is powerful, but it’s part of a bigger relationship. Just like any relationship, it grows when you’re intentional about giving it time and attention in different ways.

If nothing else, hold onto this: God hasn’t left you. Deuteronomy 31:8 says, “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Even when you feel disconnected, He’s right there, closer than you realize. Keep showing up, keep seeking Him, and trust that He’s working even in the silence. Sometimes, the moments we feel least connected are the ones where He’s drawing us closer than ever before.