Paranormal Activity & Discernment – What’s Really Out There?
We’ve all heard the stories; strange shadows, footsteps in empty rooms, unexplainable cold spots, or that eerie feeling that you’re not alone. In a world saturated with horror films, ghost-hunting shows, and “spiritual influencers,” it can be hard to separate entertainment from reality. But for those of us who walk in spiritual truth, these experiences are not just for thrill or drama. They point to something real—and often, something deeply spiritual.
So what is really out there?
It always surprises me when people say they don’t believe in ghosts, the afterlife, demons, God, or Satan. In my reality and through my experiences with sleep paralysis, out-of-body experiences, and dreams where deceased relatives came to deliver messages. I’ve always known the other world exists. Ironically, since childhood, I’ve said that my favorite genre is horror. But the kind that scares me most isn’t psychopathic horror; it’s paranormal and demonic possession films. I’ve always felt close to that realm, as if I were living on the edge of it, curious and aware. Those are the films that provoke the strongest emotional response in me. All cultures have their own interpretations, but they’re always strikingly similar universal explanations of the same phenomena human beings have encountered for eons.
Interestingly, many mythical creatures appear across different cultures throughout history; like mermaids, dragons, giants, shadow beings, and even creatures like the "hat man" or reptilian figures. These aren’t just isolated folklore stories. They’re part of a universal human memory told in different languages, painted with cultural brushstrokes, but describing eerily similar beings.
Take mermaids, for example. They’re in the Caribbean (Aycayía), Europe (sirens), Africa (Mami Wata), and Asia (ningyo). Different names. Same archetype: half-human, half-aquatic beings linked to seduction, danger, or mystery—often appearing during storms or periods of transformation.
Or dragons presented in both Chinese mythology (as powerful, wise, and elemental) and European lore (as fire-breathing, treasure-hoarding beasts). Some traditions portray them as guardians; others as adversaries. But why would such a similar creature emerge across continents with no direct contact?
It suggests something deeper a collective spiritual memory, perhaps even actual interdimensional encounters. These beings may not be “imaginary” but part of a hidden history or parallel realm that our ancestors tried to describe the best way they could.
And when we layer this over the biblical worldview, it becomes even more fascinating. Scripture mentions seraphim, nephilim, leviathan, behemoth, and demon creatures and forces that would be considered “mythological” today, yet were described as very real to those who encountered them. What if mythology isn’t fiction, but fragments of truth filtered through the spiritual perceptions of ancient people?
I’ve always felt that certain horror films and myths hit a nerve, not because they’re entertainment, but because they tap into something ancient and buried that many have forgotten, but a few of us still remember.
Beyond the Veil: What the Bible Says
Scripture is very clear: there is a spiritual realm. There are angels, demons, and principalities operating behind the scenes. We wrestle “not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world…” (Ephesians 6:12). Paranormal activity isn’t just a category of weird happenings, it’s often the manifestation of unseen movement or warfare.
But here’s the key: not everything unexplained is demonic. And not everything spiritual is from God. This is where discernment becomes essential.
Discerning the Spirits
1 John 4:1 warns us, “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God…” The spiritual realm is not a playground, and curiosity can become a doorway. Many people open themselves up through things that seem harmless; tarot, séances, channeling, spirit boards but they can unknowingly invite deception.
Discernment is more than gut instinct. It’s spiritual maturity. It’s walking closely with the Holy Spirit and asking, “Lord, is this You, or something pretending to be light?”
For many of us who are spiritually sensitive, especially those with prophetic or intercessory callings; paranormal activity isn’t just something we hear about. It’s something we’ve felt. Maybe you’ve been in a room and sensed an oppressive energy. Maybe you’ve woken up at 3am feeling paralyzed. Maybe your child has told you about a dark figure in the corner of their room.
These aren’t just coincidences. They’re clues.
But here’s the truth: God does not leave us defenseless.
Children often have a natural sensitivity to the spiritual realm that many adults lose over time due to conditioning and disbelief. When a child says they see a ghost, shadow figure, fairy, or other mysterious presence, it should not be dismissed as mere imagination. Instead, we must consider that children may be perceiving dimensions or energies that adults have been trained to ignore or suppress. Their openness and purity allow them to witness things we can no longer see. Believing them not only honors their experience but also nurtures their spiritual awareness and trust in their own perceptions. Dismissing their visions can isolate them and teach them to doubt what may be a very real gift.
When children claim to see spiritual beings whether angels, fairies, ghosts, or more sinister figures like shadow people, demons, or imps; it’s essential to respond with calm, discernment, and spiritual wisdom. First, avoid dismissing or reacting with fear. Children look to adults for reassurance and guidance, so how we respond shapes how they process their experiences.
If they describe benevolent beings like angels or fairies, encourage them to speak freely about what they see, feel, or hear. Ask gentle questions to understand more about the presence, its message, energy, and how it makes the child feel. Affirm that some beings are sent by God for protection and comfort, and that it’s a blessing to sense them. Teach the child to pray or thank God when they encounter something beautiful or peaceful.
If they describe neutral or unclear entities, such as ghosts or unknown spirits, help them set spiritual boundaries. You can pray with them, teach them to call on God, Jesus, or an angel of protection, and to ask if the spirit comes from God or not. This gives them tools to spiritually discern rather than fear.
When a child describes sinister entities; dark shadows, demons, imps, or anything that causes fear or distress; it’s crucial to take it seriously and act spiritually and practically. Pray with the child right away, affirming God's power and protection. Use your spiritual authority to rebuke any dark presence in Jesus’ name. Teach the child that they, too, can call on God and that evil has no authority over them. Consider anointing their space with oil, playing worship music, or reading Scripture aloud. Pay attention to repeated experiences and check for possible spiritual doorways; objects, media, or atmospheres—that may need to be addressed.
Most importantly, listen and validate their experiences. Teach them not all spirits are of God, but that they are never alone, and God's light is always stronger than any darkness. Walking with them in faith and love will help them feel safe, spiritually equipped, and supported.
You Are Not Helpless
As a believer, you carry authority. Not fear. Not confusion. Jesus gave us power over all the works of the enemy (Luke 10:19). That means we don’t run from spiritual activity, we discern it, confront it when necessary, and stay rooted in God’s peace and protection.
Here are a few ways to walk in wisdom:
Cover your home in prayer – Ask God to cleanse and consecrate every space.
Be mindful of what you allow in – Objects, media, and even relationships can be open doors.
Ask the Holy Spirit to heighten your discernment – Not all spiritual encounters are evil, but not all are holy either.
Don’t go seeking encounters – God reveals what we need to know. Let Him lead.
If paranormal activity becomes intense such as objects moving on their own, strange noises, or a clear sense of oppression in the home; it’s important not to seek help from mediums, psychics, or practices that call on other deities or spirits. Although these individuals may be able to advise you that something supernatural is happening around you or in your home, these may offer temporary relief but can deepen spiritual openings and confusion. Instead, seek someone rooted in the authority of God through Jesus Christ; someone who understands spiritual warfare and can intercede through prayer, fasting, and discernment. True deliverance and peace come from the Holy Spirit, not from rituals or energies outside of God's covering. Invite God's presence into your home, play worship music, read Scripture aloud, anoint the space with oil, and declare the name of Jesus over every doorway. The enemy cannot stand in a space where God’s light and truth are boldly declared.
So, What’s Really Out There?
There’s darkness. There’s deception. There are entities that masquerade as angels of light.
But more than that; there is a Kingdom of light, an army of angels, a holy covering that is stronger than any shadow. The paranormal isn’t something to obsess over, but it is something to understand. As children of God, we’re not called to fear the dark; we’re called to shine in it.
Final Thought
The real question isn’t just what’s out there? It’s what’s within you? With the Holy Spirit inside, your discernment sharpens, your peace deepens, and your authority is secured. Stay alert, stay humble, and stay close to God.
