Divination: Seeking Insight Beyond God's Approved Means

The practice of acquiring hidden information, especially about the future, through unauthorized spiritual means.

God's Approved Methods for Revelation

God's approved ways are through the Bible, the gift of divine inspiration (word of wisdom), discernment of spirits, prophecy and revelation that comes through mature Christians or natural observations (1 Cor 12:8,10). He communicates with His children through these established channels, ensuring that guidance remains within His sovereign will and purpose.

The Dangers of Occult Practices

Divination through occult practices such as tea cup reading, sorcery, clairvoyance, magic, crystal gazing, mediums, witches, astrology (horoscopes), fortune telling, witchcraft, superstition, familiar spirits, consulting the dead etc., do not come from God and Christians are not to entertain such practices. He does not communicate with His children through such means, and this was one of the reasons why the former inhabitants of the Promised Land were to be driven out (Deut 18:9-14). God stated these types of activities are evil, and He would "set His face against" those who participate in them (Lev 19:26,31, 20:6,27; 1 Sam 15:23; 2 Kgs 17:17).

God will reveal His secrets to us via an approved means, if it is His desire, otherwise they are to remain beyond our grasp (Deut 29:29; Am 3:7). As believers, we can be confident that God is in control, and while He wants to guide us this is through trusting obedience and dependency on Him. In our Christian walk we live by faith and not necessarily what has been revealed to our senses.

Do not push beyond His boundaries

Although we don't know what the future holds, we know who holds the future (Act 20:22; 2 Cor 5:7; Jas 4:14-15). Our responsibility is to walk uprightly before Him and He will direct our paths, providing what is necessary for us (Prov 3:5-6; Mt 6:25,32-34).

Reflection and Application:

Trust in God's established methods of communication rather than seeking forbidden knowledge through occult means.
Recognize that God's silence or withholding of information is an act of love and protection.
Walk in faith, knowing that God holds the future even when we cannot see it clearly.
Focus on obedience and upright living, allowing God to direct your path in His perfect timing.