I stopped watching horror movies. But growing up, I absolutely loved watching them. My favorite movie genre was horror, as I would be on the edge of my seat in great anxiety because of the thrill and suspense. I’d sit up late in the dark and watch horror movies. I found them entertaining and oddly hilarious because of how cheesy and unreal they felt. At a young age, people (out of ignorance) convinced me that horror movies were “fake,” “funny,” and “just for entertainment.”
It wasn’t until I found Christ that I stopped watching horror movies. I finally understood how real they are in regard to the evil forces at war with believers. The Bible reminds us that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the evil, spiritual forces in the heavens” (Ephesians 6:12).
Recurring Nightmares
The Lord said, “My people perish for a lack of knowledge” (Isaiah 5:13). I was perishing in fear, anxiety, and turmoil. I suffered from recurring nightmares, and many sleepless nights. Unknowingly, I opened doors for demonic attacks and oppression for years to come. Halloween was one of my all-time favorite horror movies. I watched every one of the sequels time and time again—ignorant as to how it was affecting me. And sadly, I had the same nightmare about Michael Myers hunting me down to murder me for years.
Can you imagine having the same nightmares haunt you for about 18 years? At the time, I still did not recognize how powerful and spiritual dreams truly are. I believed dreams were only my mind replaying images from experiences on a day-to-day basis. Praise God for revealing to me that these nightmares were attacks coming straight from the enemy! When I discovered that was the case, I stopped watching horror movies. I closed those doors and never looked back.
The Enemy Feeds On Fear
One of the biggest tactics of the enemy is fear. When we fear and forget the power of Christ, we give room for Satan and his agents to grab hold and attack us. Even though I loved watching horror movies, I always felt a deeply rooted fear that would cloud over me before I went to bed. I used to throw on some cartoons and fall asleep with the TV on to calm myself afterwards. Tensed by the images and thoughts, nightmares intruded my mind. I became terrified of being in the dark after filling my mind with darkness. Fear robs us of peace and courage, which is the opposite of what God promises and desires for us. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace” (Colossians 3:15).
Power Through Christ
As daughters of the Most High, we rest, knowing that we can access power, love, and a sound mind in the Holy Spirit. (Timothy 1:7). There is no room for fear in believers when we know a mighty Savior who has authority over all evil. “That power is the same as the mighty strength He exerted when He raised Christ from the dead and seated him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come” (Ephesians 1:19-21). Glory to God that we can call on the name of Jesus and be delivered from the crippling fear of the enemy!
Glorifying God or Evil?
Horror movies depict and glorify evil. As children of God, and ambassadors of Christ, it is our duty to center our minds, bodies, and souls on things that glorify the Father. Certainly, horror movies don’t reflect the character of God. When I began to study the Bible and focus on an intimate relationship with Jesus, I desired to please God. I thirsted more for what was good, excellent, and praiseworthy. The desire to watch scary movies for entertainment is now non-existent. Apostle Paul reminds us that if we are in Christ, then our lives ought to be hidden in Him. (Colossians 3:3) That means letting go of ungodly, evil, and fearful things before my eyes. “I will set nothing wicked before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not cling to me” (Psalms 101:3).
You might also like: Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?
Transformation and Renewal
Walking with the Lord is a process and far from easy. Personally, I fall short. But then, I get back up, and try to fix my eyes on what really matters. Apostle Paul helps us out by giving advice on being unique and set apart in this dark world.
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” — Romans 12:2
I’ve learned that transformation and renewing of the mind is not immediate, nor does it happen once. God works that divine change in us daily until we are made complete in perfect love. A good friend of mine always tells me “God changes you on the inside before He works on the outside.”
God Trains Us
Indeed, I am thankful that God has been working on me so diligently. I had many habits that could have destroyed me, but Christ delivered me from them all. I stopped watching horror movies—and let me tell you, it is so liberating!
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age” —Titus 2:11-12
It is up to us, to first accept that we need change. Then, act in accordance with God’s will for our minds:
