I’ve been a believer since I was little and now I’m having trouble because after a life changing experience I’ve realized that in the past I may not have believed it in my heart after all. I have problems knowing if the Holy Spirit is guiding me. I’ve always felt bad when sinning because I knew it was wrong, but there have been times in my life when I sinned knowingly and didn’t care. Since I didn’t care, was I saved?
You know the Holy Spirit is in you because in three places the Lord promised you that He is. (Ephes. 1:13-14, 2 Cor. 1:21-22 and 2 Cor 5:5) Every believer sins knowingly from time to time, and then like you feels sad about it later. That’s the Holy Spirit convicting us, and moving us to confess so we can be forgiven and restored to fellowship. When believers sin it doesn’t mean they aren’t saved. Even the great Paul said that no matter how hard he tried He couldn’t stop sinning (Romans 7:18-20).
The Holy Spirit is an adviser, a counselor who will guide you but you have to learn to listen for His voice. Some people who are very busy or have difficulty relaxing find that to be easier said than done. If that’s your problem take some time each day to just be still and ask Him to speak to you. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”