When Christians Consult the World-Wide-Web As Psychic

I once wrote in my journal, “God answered a prayer that I probably should have been praying.” Have you ever had this happen? Where a situation “worked out” or “a coincidence” made your impending problem moot? If you’re anything like me, you’ve experienced worry, trial, uncertainty, or a crossroads in decision-making and have forgotten to pray about it. It’s not that you don’t think prayer is real or don’t trust God, but in your independence, you search out other means to solve your dilemma.

My Bible reading plan recently had me in 1 Chronicles. I’m less familiar with these chapters and can feel a little lost in the portions that describe names and numbers at length. I didn’t expect to be moved, but this verse stopped me in my tracks: “So Saul died for his breach of faith. He broke faith with the LORD in that he did not keep the command of the LORD, and also consulted a medium, seeking guidance” (1 Chron. 10:13).

I’ve never graced the beaded, purple fabric doorway of a woman donning a headdress and crystal ball, but I have attempted to see a medium, and my guess is you have too. My psychic has taken the form of late-night internet searches, book purchasing, talking to trusted mentors ad nauseam, and my all-time favorite: worrying and predicting in my own mind. It’s a strategy I put hope in, devoid of drawing from the deep well God gives me in himself.

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