It is an ultimate question of every believer – how to know if God is in my heart? It’s my question too. As a believer, we want to make sure that somehow, even at as tiny as pixie dust, there’s a chance that God is in our hearts.
If God is in our hearts, there will be happiness, contentment, and we will be able to practice compassion and love for others without hesitations and doubts. We can love the people surrounding us regardless of who they are, where they came from, what they believe in, whatever their physical appearance is, their status in life, etc.
Christmas 2020 has been completed. And as part of my lifetime commitment, I want to make sure that I reflect on God’s good news. We need this because if we study and continue to find God’s will then, He will give His mercy and guide us to see the lighted path.
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. – Matthew 6:33
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. – Romans 12:2
During my Christmas activities, I decided to watch and listen to this beautiful video. It’s titled Loving God – The True Meaning by Shaykh ul Islam Dr. Muhammad Tahir ul Qadri. It may sound eerie to you because this video is an Islamic content while I’m celebrating Christmas. The title of the video itself explains – Loving God – The True Meaning. Let me share with you my thoughts and reflection.
How to Know if God is in our Hearts?
Three things will help us know and understand if God is in our hearts. Let’s dig into them! ⚡️
#1. Fear and Consciousness of God
When I was in my early teenager, I usually wrote ‘fear of God’ when answering some questions in slam books. Today, what does it mean when we say we fear God? Why do we need to fear Him? What’s the meaning of fear? These are just some of my questions.
Let’s take a look at these two brilliant passages that will help us understand the fear of God.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever! – Psalm 111:10
And he said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” – Job 28:28
Most of the time, when we decide, we always want our plan. My plan. At times, we choose things that are beneficial for us but will negatively impact others or nature. There are times that we gain tremendous knowledge, but we neglect and put them aside. We even laugh and make fun of people who share their faith with us. We shut off the people who choose to share their faith in God with us. Why? Because they are of different religions.
Fear of God means we seek His will. It means we practice the knowledge we received. Wisdom means practicing the knowledge we learned. Fear of God means our act benefits everyone, and even nature. Fear of God means we continue to fight our inner lower self because we know God sees every bit of us inside out.
And then there’s the Consciousness of God. It is about our state of mind is always aware that God is everywhere. God sees our doings without secrets. Therefore, it is practical for us to do modest things for ourselves and others.
For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and He knows everything. – 1 John 3:20
And no creature is hidden from His sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. – Hebrews 4:13
#2. Purity, Modesty, and Humility
The second that will help us know if God is in our hearts is our acts. I believe that our actions should match our hearts. What do our hearts desire? Are these pure, modest, and humble?
It was Christmas, and a colleague and I was sharing some Christmas plans. He told me that they (with his family) would do charity work. I was amazed and moved! It’s a glorious act to do charity during Christmas because that’s one of the essences of Christmas. After the holidays, I then asked him about the charity work, and how it was. He told me that they just visited an extended family who has a sick son and gave him a wheelchair. I was stunned and surprised!
We don’t have the right to question how he understands or thinks about charity works. My point here is when we execute our plans, they must be pure in motives; they should be modest instead of provocative, and with humility in our hearts.
When I was in my late teen life and hit my early 20s, I usually wore clothes and even shared provocative images on social media. I love when people find me daring, fierce and like my photos. The dopamine in my body rises. So, clothes that will make me feel beautiful, sexy, and gain many likes on social media make me happy. I learned and realized that this is absolutely fake. It’s not the happiness we want as believers.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. – Psalm 51:10
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. – Proverbs 31:30
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. – Colossians 3:12
#3. Constant Abstinence of Appetite
Lastly, to help us know if God is in our hearts, are we practicing constant abstinence of appetite? Let’s take a look at this passage:
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. – 1 John 2:15-16
If God is in our hearts, we stop loving our desires and lust in this world. We do not think about money, extravagant things, lavish gifts, fame, power, sex, drugs, alcohol, aggressiveness, infidelity, hate of others, all things that can destroy ourselves and our relationship to our God Almighty.
If God is in our hearts, we have full control over things that can distance our relationship with Him. Our appetite is about seeking His will, sharing His words, and love with us.
Reflection.
It’s not easy for us to do all the things we just discussed, especially when we live in this material world. Temptations surround the depth of our souls. On the other hand, it is not late for us to recover. If we continuously fight our inner lower selves, reflect and remind ourselves about these three guidelines to know if God is in our hearts, then we have a one chess move ahead to the lighted path.
- Fear and Consciousness of God
- Purity, Modesty, and Humility
- Constant Abstinence of Appetite
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