Do not know what to do anymore...

[Oleg11142]

Hello i am new to the boards and i am also a new Christian(yes i have recently accepted Christ as my saviour) and i have changed quite alot. But there is one problem that is so hard for me to overcome and is causing greate pain and depression to me. I have had interest in Occult and Magic, and even practiced it for quite some time, but the problem is that i have become very obsessed with it over time, i was at the point of even committing idoltry because of the power of Magic and Occultism. But now that i have accepted Christ as my saviour i try to quit my practices but i find it extremely hard because i would have no other joy and fun in life, Occult and Magic has been a way of life for me. Please help me in any way possible, i will be posting here from now on since i am new to Christianity.

Thank you

-Oleg-

 

[timlamb]

Oleg, I understand how you feel, I was an alcoholic and thought I was nobody without drinking. First you have to realize you have given up your old self. Focus your attention on others, friends, family, church. Don't look at what you used to do, your life is new and God is in control. I began reading and writing, for you it may be music. Remember, Christian faith is not a destination but a journey. There will be highs and lows, don't rely on your self, lean on Jesus. You have taken the first step, don't look back. Admit what you were doing was wrong. I controlled my life for 43 years, and made a mess out of it. I am with you my friend, I will be praying for you. Let the Lord be in charge, and you will find abundant life.
God Bless you,
timlamb

 

[Frangible]

Hey Oleg. Sorry to hear about your difficulties. I agree with Tim though-- I think the key is to find new things to replace your previous activities with. Not doing anything new or finding a replacement will just cause you pain, since you'll have that void in your life formerly occupied by what you used to do, and it will also make Christianity have less personal relevance and connection.

One thing rituals and regular practices do, as far as magic/the occult are concerned, are relieve anxiety and bring comfort and ease with a familiar environment. Not to mention, the idea of being able to weild power with your mind alone is probably enticing to some people. And research/practice are a hobby that keep you from getting bored.

Now those are real, legitamate psychological needs -- everyone needs a way to stave off anxiety, boredom, and feel comfortable and interested in something.

My suggestion would be to find either secular or Christian activities to replace what your previous practices were doing for you, and try to gradually transition away from them. As Tim says, Christian faith is a journey, and it's ok if you're not perfect or mess up. The important thing is, you are on the right path, and you now realize when you misstep!

Instead of studying magic or the occult, is there anything interesting to you that you could study instead? The Bible, writings of a Christian author that are interesting to you, or even something secular like a science, language, skill, etc? If you are stuggling to get into the Bible, you can try a more accessible version like the Good News Version, or read an annotated version. Many people like the book "The Purpose Driven Life" but I have also read criticisms about it too; it might be worth reading if you also look at the opposing viewpoint and make your own judgements about it.

In terms of finding a replacement for a comfortable / anxiety relieving practice, how about establishing regular prayer, meditation, or maybe a small group activity at your local church? Meditation can be anything from just clearing your mind and focusing on breathing for a while to contemplating a verse or prayer. Either is medically proven to reduce stress.

If you want something interesting to do, you could try getting involved in ministries at your local church. Small group activities can be a great way to meet people. Community service ministries that help out with things like Habit for Humanity can be good for you personally on many levels, and give you a chance to meet other people of your faith and help those in need.

There are many good books, movies, video games etc out there too, though those are solitary activities typically and that can be isolating after a while, so all things in moderation perhaps. If you keep in mind the unreality of it and keep God the most important thing in your life, many fantasy video games have spell systems and could be a virtual outlet for your former interests.

Remember, being reborn in Christ means you live for Him and God's will now. Try to avoid breaking God's law-- sinning-- though no one's perfect here! Keep in mind the three Biblical virtues-- hope, faith, and love/charity. Hope for the future, things can get better. Faith that you've experienced and learned the truths of God and they will hold true yet. Love and charity for your fellow man-- selflessly love them as you love yourself, be generous and forgiving.

God will never test you more than you can endure. Try to get involved in other and new things, even if it's hard at first (I've struggled with social phobia in the past-- I know!). Recognize the opportunities presented to you, and capitalize on them rather than deny them. Do not help tempt yourself astray-- eBay, throw away, or burn all your occult stuff, remove references and reminders to it. Focus outward on others rather than inward.

You're doing good! No one's perfect and you're on the right path. Just keep it up. You've made some big changes and improvements, and you will continue to grow. Don't lose hope! You've already done so much right and are on the right path, just ride out the bumps.

 

[Mayflower1]

Dear Oleg,

Congratulations... I am so happy that you are now a child of God. Now that you are justified, sanctification(living the Christian life) is something that you have to constantly work for to achieve. You now have the Holy Spirit within you fighting against your old, sinful nature so listen to it and allow God to come into your life and change it for the best. Nothing is easy for I still fight my imagination myself but I can tell you really love God, and with all your might you should try to stop. See my favorite verse in the signature!!!! It is just so true!!!!

Scripture and prayer is what you really need to fill your heart with and pretty soon it will become easier to turn away from wickedness and run to your Father in Heaven!!! Bless you!!! Lily00

 

[Darrell2006]

Hello i am new to the boards and i am also a new Christian(yes i have recently accepted Christ as my saviour) and i have changed quite alot. But there is one problem that is so hard for me to overcome and is causing greate pain and depression to me. I have had interest in Occult and Magic, and even practiced it for quite some time, but the problem is that i have become very obsessed with it over time, i was at the point of even committing idoltry because of the power of Magic and Occultism. But now that i have accepted Christ as my saviour i try to quit my practices but i find it extremely hard because i would have no other joy and fun in life, Occult and Magic has been a way of life for me. Please help me in any way possible, i will be posting here from now on since i am new to Christianity.

Thank you

-Oleg-

Are you talking about magic as in magic tricks like the magic entertainers?

 

[Oleg11142]

No not "magic tricks" im talking about Occultism...it's hard to explain but it's not what Harry Huddini did...try searching for Alchemy, Occult, Witchcraft, etc... you'll see what it is.

 

[timlamb]

No not "magic tricks" im talking about Occultism...it's hard to explain but it's not what Harry Huddini did...try searching for Alchemy, Occult, Witchcraft, etc... you'll see what it is.

Oleg, your history is God's victory, what was, is no longer what you are. In Christ, you are a new creation, REJOICE!!
timlamb

 

[Guineverelyndy]

Hi!

Welcome to the family of Christ!

Wow, I must say I had alarm bells ringing in my head. Witchcraft and the occult are powerful, powerful things. Sounds like you have a bonafide stronghold in your life. But the good news is that Christ can free you from that. I'd strongly recommend "The Bondage Breaker" by Neil Anderson.

I know that the occult has been a source of "joy and fun" for you up to this point. *Smiling* But really, I know that they are nothing in comparison with the joy that is in Christ. I know Satan would love for you to think that following God is boring. Hint - if Satan wants you to believe something, it's a lie. Before you belonged to Jesus, you had no authority to break the hold of those lies over you. NOW you do, by the power of Jesus' blood. Yay for freedom!

But in all seriousness, I think you need to find a good pastor who can pray with you about this and hold you to account for winning this battle. Satan does not fight fair, let me tell you. You're going to need all the help you can get.

I'll check back on ya!

 

[timlamb]

Guineverelyndy, wow, what a name, very well said. Oleg, satan will beat you up with this if you let him. There is so much out there to bring you joy. Go to the second hand store and look for Christian books and music, then take them home and devour them. Learn the words to a favorite inspirational song, learn a new joke and tell it to someone.
Laugh, and praise God!!!
Look up Romans 8:37,38,and 39, now that is power!!!
timlamb

 

[UnitynLove]

The people of the nation of Israel wandered around in the desert for forty years making what was actually an eleven-day journey. Why? Was it their enemies, their circumstances, or the trials along the way? Or was something entirely different preventing them from arriving at their destination?
As I pondered this situation, God gave me a powerful revelation that has helped me personally and helped thousands of others. The Lord revealed to me that the Israelites spent forty years in the desert making an eleven-day trip because they had a "wilderness mentality."
We really shouldn't look at the Israelites with such astonishment because most of us do the same thing they did. We keep going around and around the same mountains instead of making progress. It takes us years to experience victory over something that could and should have been dealt with quickly and put behind us. God showed me that "wilderness mentalities" are wrong mindsets These wilderness mentalities are what kept the Israelites in the desert for so long.
We can have right mindsets or wrong mindsets. The right ones benefit us, and the wrong ones hurt us and hinder our progress. Colossians 3:2 teaches us to set our minds and keep them set. We need our minds set in the right direction. Wrong mindsets not only affect our circumstances, but they also affect our inner life.
There was a time when my circumstances were not bad, but I could not enjoy anything in my life because my mind was "in the desert." Dave and I had a nice home, three lovely children, good jobs, and enough money to live comfortably. However, I could not enjoy our blessings because I had several wilderness mentalities that had me trapped in the desert.
Some people see things negatively because they have experienced unhappy circumstances all their lives and can't imagine anything getting any better. Then there are those who see everything as bad and negative simply because that is the way they feel on the inside. Whatever its cause, a negative outlook leaves a person miserable and unable to make any progress toward the Promised Land.
God had called the Children of Israel out of bondage in Egypt to go to the land He had promised to give them as a perpetual inheritance—the land that flowed with milk and honey and every good thing they could imagine. It was a land where there would be no shortage of anything they needed—a land of prosperity in every realm of their existence. Most of the generation that the Lord called out of Egypt never entered into the Promised Land, instead, they died in the desert. To me, this is one of the saddest things that can happen to someone—to have so much available and yet never be able to enjoy it.
I was one of those people for many years of my life. I was on my way to the Promised Land (heaven), but I was not enjoying the trip. My mind was in the desert, and I was dying in the wilderness. My wilderness mentality, or wrong ways of thinking, was keeping me from dealing with those areas of life God was wanting to touch and redeem. I was stuck...going around and around the same mountain. But thank God for His mercy. He showed me the way out of the desert! He helped me identify and change those wrong mindsets. Today, my mind is renewed. I have a new way of thinking and I've been rescued from the desert. What God did for me, He can certainly do for you. Ask Him today to show you your wilderness mentalities, and ask Him to help you make the necessary changes. He can deliver your mind from the desert and help you enjoy the journey to the Promised Land!

 

[timlamb]

Oleg, I pray things are improving for you. I have been watching for news and thought I would put out one last call. I pray you are finding peace,
timlamb