It’s About God. Not U.

That’s a brave question to ask. And the fact that you’re asking already shows a heart that wants God. Shame might rise up, but it doesn’t define you. It’s a signal, not the end of the story.

See, shame isn’t from God. Conviction is. Conviction draws you closer; shame keeps you stuck. One says, “Come near.” The other says, “Stay away.” But God already knows every choice you’ve made, and He still loves you. His arms are open.

About tarot, I understand. When life feels uncertain, quick answers feel comforting. But God calls us to trust Him, even in the waiting, even when clarity doesn’t come fast. Proverbs 3:5–6 says it best: “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.” Tarot leans on control. Trust leans on God.

Does turning to tarot mean you don’t trust God at all? No. It usually means your trust is still growing. None of us start with perfect faith. We stumble, we reach for substitutes, and God patiently teaches us what it means to lean on Him.

That’s where repentance comes in. Not as shame, but as invitation. James 4:8 says, “Come near to God and He will come near to you.” Every time you turn back, He meets you.

So if you feel the weight of leaning on tarot, bring it to Him. Be honest about the fears, the doubts, even what drew you there. He already knows, but He delights in your honesty. And He can fill those spaces with His peace.

And remember, the very fact you’re wrestling with this shows God is already at work in you. That’s not failure. That’s grace.

Take a breath. Guilt feels heavy, but it isn’t the end. Mistakes don’t get the final say, how you respond to them does. And the fact that you’re even asking this shows your heart is already turning toward God. That’s not weakness. That’s grace pulling you closer.

None of us get it right all the time. Romans 3:23 says it plain,“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” But it doesn’t leave us there. The very next verse reminds us we’re “justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24). In other words, God already made a way for you to begin again through Jesus.

Guilt feels like chains, but God doesn’t deal in chains. He deals in freedom. 1 John 1:9 promises, “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 your mistakes to Him, He doesn’t just forgive, He washes them away. You don’t have to drag yesterday into tomorrow.

Guilt says, “Look at what I’ve done.” Grace says, “Look at what Jesus has done.” The enemy will keep replaying your failures like a broken record, hoping you’ll stay stuck. But God’s voice 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 past and start looking ahead.

So what does moving forward look like? Make space for God. Open His Word, not as a box to check, but as a lifeline. Talk to Him. Prayer doesn’t have to be formal. Just tell Him what’s on your heart, the parts that ache, the parts that need healing, the parts you don’t even know how to put into words.

And be gentle with yourself. Growth takes time. Even Peter, who denied Jesus three times, was restored and became the rock on which Christ built His Church. If God can redeem Peter’s story, He can redeem yours too.

So don’t let guilt hold you hostage. God’s love is bigger than your mistakes, and His mercy is new every single morning (Lamentations 3:22–23). Hand Him your past. Let it go. And step into what He’s already prepared for you.

Because the truth is, He’s not letting go of you.

That’s a really important question and asking it shows you’re already walking in discernment. That matters. Spiritual practices can feel good, even enlightening, but not everything that feels “right” actually comes from God. Let’s slow down and walk through this together.

First, we have to start with the foundation: God’s Word. Scripture is our 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.” That’s clear. If a practice doesn’t line up with Scripture, that’s your first red flag. A simple test: does it point you inward, as though you’re the source of power, or upward, to God as the source? If it’s pointing to self, it’s already off track.

Here are some questions worth asking yourself:

• Does this draw me closer to God or make me depend on something else? God wants a direct relationship with you. If you find yourself relying on rituals, tools, or external sources more than Him, that’s a warning sign. Jeremiah 17:5 puts it bluntly: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh.”

• Is it rooted in truth or just feelings? Feelings can be slippery. They aren’t always reliable. Just because something feels peaceful or powerful doesn’t mean it’s of God. Scripture warns us that Satan disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). The question becomes: is this about God’s truth, or about what soothes me in the moment?

• What fruit is it producing? Jesus said in Matthew 7:16, “You will know them by their fruits.” God’s Spirit produces peace, humility, obedience, and deeper trust in Christ. If a practice leaves you unsettled, anxious, or overly focused on yourself, that’s not fruit of the Spirit, that’s a warning.

• Who or what does it glorify? Is God receiving the glory or is it directed toward self, the universe, or vague “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.”

And one more: What is the Spirit showing you? John 16:13 says, “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth.” If you feel a quiet tug in your spirit that something isn’t right, pay attention. That’s not paranoia. That’s protection. Pray over it. Ask God to shine light on what feels off.

It also helps to talk it through with trusted, biblically grounded believers. Proverbs 11:14 reminds us, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Sometimes someone outside of our emotions can see what we’re too close to notice.

At the end of the day, God doesn’t want you in confusion or bondage. He wants you in freedom and truth. His path always leads back to Him and His Word. If something is pulling you away from that, even slightly, take a step back. Ask Him for clarity. He won’t leave you guessing. He loves to guide His children.

I’m really sorry you’ve been hurt. Church hurt cuts deeper than most because it comes from a place that’s supposed to feel safe. But.. and I want you to really understand this… people fail you, God never does. Even when it feels tangled, He’s not the same as the ones who wounded you. Let’s untangle that together.

It’s okay to feel exactly what you feel. Hurt, betrayal, anger, God can handle all of it. He isn’t afraid of your questions or your doubts. Scripture is full of His people crying out in their pain. David once prayed, “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?” (Psalm 13:1). God didn’t shame him for it, He met David in the middle of his ache. He’ll meet you in yours too.

The truth is, people in the church are still people. They’re human. They’re broken. And sometimes, their failures wound us the most. But their shortcomings don’t define who God is. He’s steady. He doesn’t shift with moods or mistakes. Numbers 23:19 reminds us: “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind.” He is faithful, even when His people fail.

That’s why it matters to separate God’s character from human actions. People can misrepresent Him, but His love, His truth, and His faithfulness remain unchanged. Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” He hasn’t abandoned you, even if it feels like others did.

And remember, Jesus Himself knows betrayal. He was denied, abandoned, sold out by people He loved. He understands what it’s like to be failed by those closest to Him. When you bring your hurt to Him, you’re not met with indifference, you’re met with someone who gets it.

Rebuilding trust takes time, and God is patient with that. If all you can pray is, “God, I don’t trust You right now, but I want to,” that’s enough. Trust grows in the small, honest moments. His Word helps reintroduce you to who He really is, not who others misrepresented. Psalm 34:18 promises, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Let Him be close.

When the time is right, He may lead you back into fellowship. Not every church is the same. Some reflect His heart more than others. Look for humility, accountability, and love. But don’t rush yourself. Healing has its own pace, and God isn’t in a hurry.

Be gentle with yourself as you heal. Trust won’t rebuild overnight, but God isn’t measuring you against a clock. He’s steady. He’s kind. And His love for you is not tied to the failures of people. He’s faithful, always.

Regret can feel crushing, especially when it seems like you’ve opened doors you wish you hadn’t. But, and I want you to remember this, God’s power is greater than anything you’ve stepped into, and His mercy is wide enough to cover every regret. You don’t have to stay stuck. Freedom is real, and it’s possible.

Start by bringing it into the light. The enemy thrives in secrecy; God works in truth (John 8:32). Talk to Him plainly. Name what you did, what doors you feel were opened, and how it’s weighing on you. He already knows, but confession is about lining your heart up with His truth.

Then, renounce it in Jesus’ name. Speak it out loud if you need to: “I renounce [specific practice] and any influence it has had in my life, in the name of Jesus Christ.” Why say it out loud? Because there is real authority in His name. 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 under. His, not yours.

After that, invite Him to take over those places. Surrender the regrets, the fears, even the lingering attachments, and ask the Holy Spirit to fill every space where those practices once had a grip. 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 cover you with His strength and truth as you move forward.

It may also mean removing physical reminders. Books, crystals, cards, objects, whatever connects you back to what you’re leaving behind. Acts 19:19 tells how new believers in Ephesus burned their scrolls of sorcery as a declaration of their new life in Christ. Sometimes letting go of those items is part of closing the door for good, spiritually and emotionally.

And don’t walk this road alone. Healing often comes in community. Join a local bible beliving church. James 5:16 says, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” If you can, share with someone trustworthy, a pastor, mentor, or friend who will pray with you and remind you of God’s truth when you need it most.

If guilt or fear still press in, remember this: Jesus didn’t just forgive sins. He came to set captives free (Luke 4:18). Whatever influence those practices tried to claim, they don’t get the final word. His power is stronger. His name breaks chains.

And as you move forward, fill yourself with His truth. Stay close to His Word, let worship fill your space, and keep talking to Him. His light drives out the shadows. Romans 8:37 declares, “In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” You are not fighting alone.

Yes, it’s normal, especially if New Age practices once shaped a big part of your life. When something felt empowering or comforting for so long, it doesn’t just disappear from memory overnight. Those longings don’t mean you’ve failed. They simply mean you’re human.

Think of it like breaking a habit. Leaving doesn’t erase the attraction right away. But recognizing the pull is already a step toward freedom. That awareness is victory, it means you can name what’s trying to draw you back instead of being blind to it.

The enemy loves to twist nostalgia. He’ll make the past look shinier than it was, like Egypt did to the Israelites in the wilderness. They forgot their chains and longed to return (Numbers 11:4–6). That’s the trick, rose-colored memories that blur out the bondage.

So when the old feelings rise, remind yourself why you walked away. Remember the emptiness. Remember the confusion. Remember the deception. You didn’t leave for no reason. You left because God called you into something better, and that is worth the struggle.

This is where Scripture steadies you. 2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us, “We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” When your emotions tug you backward, answer with God’s Word. Speak truth over yourself, even if you don’t feel it yet.

And don’t just leave empty space. Let God fill what you surrendered. Loved meditation? Meditate on Scripture. Found comfort in rituals? Build rhythms of prayer, worship, and Scripture reading. Psalm 16:11 promises, “In Your presence there is fullness of joy.” Nothing the New Age offered can match the joy of being with Him.

Be patient with yourself. Temptation doesn’t mean failure, it means growth is still happening. Philippians 1:6 assures us, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” God hasn’t let go of you, and He won’t.

And please, don’t walk this alone. Join a local bible believing church. Share the struggle with someone you trust, someone who can pray with you and remind you of truth when your heart feels weak. The weight is lighter when you don’t carry it by yourself.

You’ve already made the bold step of leaving. Keep walking forward. God’s grace will carry you the rest of the way.

Yes, there’s hope for you. Always. The thought that you’ve gone too far? That’s one of the enemy’s sharpest lies. He wants you stuck in shame, convinced you’re cut off from God’s love. The truth is, there is no place so far that God’s grace can’t reach you. None.

Jesus told a story about this in Luke 15. The prodigal son walked away, wasted everything, and hit rock bottom. But when he turned back, what did the father do? He didn’t close the door. He ran. He embraced him. He threw a celebration. That’s the Father’s heart toward you, not punishment, but welcome.

Romans 8:38–39 says it without hesitation: nothing, “neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers”, nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Not your past. Not your failures. Not even the mistakes you’re most afraid of. His love goes deeper still.

God is in the business of redemption. Paul once persecuted Christians, yet God didn’t just forgive him, He transformed him into an apostle. Peter denied Jesus three times, and still Jesus restored him and made him a leader in the church. These aren’t exceptions. They’re the pattern of how God works. And He hasn’t stopped.

So what do you do now? Turn back to God. That’s it. You don’t need perfect words or a cleaned-up version of yourself. Just honesty. Psalm 51:17 says, “A broken and contrite heart, God, You will not despise.” He meets you right there.

Let His Word remind you of His promises. 1 John 1:9 is one to cling to: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” That’s not a vague maybe. It’s a guarantee.

Yes, guilt and shame may still linger. But they don’t get the final say. God’s grace does. 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” In Him, you are not defined by what you’ve done. You are defined by who He is.

So lean into His grace. Take one step, then another. Pray. Open your Bible. Join a local bible believing church. Surround yourself with people who will speak truth and remind you who you are in Christ. And when the enemy whispers, “It’s too late,” point him back to the cross. Jesus paid it all, including this.

You are not too far gone. You are loved, you are seen, and you have a new beginning with God. And He’s ready to walk every step of it with you.

Feeling disconnected from God (even when you’re praying) can feel heavy. It makes you wonder if He’s listening, or if you’ve done something wrong. But trust, He hears every word. His love hasn’t shifted an inch. Feeling distant doesn’t mean He’s gone. Often, it just means our own hearts are wrestling with noise, wounds, or expectations.

Sometimes the gap comes from what we expect prayer to be. We think it should feel immediate, like flipping a light on. But prayer is more like planting seeds. Growth is happening, even if you can’t see it yet. Isaiah 55:11 promises that God’s Word never returns empty. If you’re praying, something is already moving beneath the surface.

It also helps to ask: what’s crowding your heart? Just like static clouds a radio signal, distractions, unconfessed sin, or hidden hurts can make it harder to sense His presence. Psalm 139:23–24 gives us a 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.” God isn’t asking for perfection, just honesty.

Sometimes the wall is sin we haven’t faced yet. Psalm 66:18 says, “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” That doesn’t mean God refuses to hear you, it means unrepented sin can dull our connection. A simple prayer of, “God, show me what I need to bring into the light,” is often the breakthrough.

It’s also worth looking at how prayer feels in your life. Has it turned into reciting words out of habit? Or are you letting yourself actually be with Him? God isn’t looking for performance. He wants closeness. Some days that might look like silence. Other days, journaling. Other days, just talking to Him about the ordinary details, like you would with a close friend.

And remember, you’re not the first to feel this. David asked, “How long, Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?” (Psalm 13:1). Job wrestled with silence too. Dryness doesn’t mean absence. More often, it’s an invitation to press deeper.

Beyond prayer, ask how you’re nourishing your faith in other ways. Are you opening Scripture? Are you singing, worshiping, surrounding yourself with believers? Prayer is part of a living relationship, and like any relationship, it grows with time and intentional presence.

But if you hear nothing else, hear this: God hasn’t left you. Deuteronomy 31:8 promises, “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Even in silence, He’s near. Keep showing up. Keep seeking. Sometimes the seasons that feel the most barren are the ones where He’s quietly drawing us closer than ever before.