1. You find peace.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

— Phillippians 4:7

When you give your heart to God, you stop worrying about all that you can’t control. You slow down, you begin to trust, you let the little things roll off your back. You know that your heart is in a safe place, and you find comfort knowing your God will never break or leave it. You realize that you have been putting your trust into the wrong things or people, and instead of feeling dizzy, trying so desperately to understand the world, or confused, wondering which direction to take, you find calm and peace. You are protected and loved, unconditionally, by your Savior.

2. You feel strong.

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

— Psalm: 73:26

Giving your heart to God empowers you. He promises to protect you, but to also strengthen you in His word, every single day. When you stop relying on yourself or other imperfect people to guide your heart and decisions, you realize He has been paving your path all this time. And when you trust Him to take control, to love and direct you, you find strength not only in Him, but in yourself.

3. You begin to put value into the right places and people.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

— Matthew 6:21

Sometimes we get wrapped up in the world. We get entangled into romantic relationships. We fall into habits and patterns with people. We begin to see our things and possessions as a measure of our worth. But God sees otherwise. He knows that the material things of this world mean nothing. He knows that our true value rests in where we go after this life, and He longs for us to see the worth of our souls rather than our temporary bodies.

When you give your heart to God, you begin to value relationships that build you, rather than break you. You start to see the value in your personality, in your impact, in the way you love and connect with others, rather than the things you own or the money you make. You learn that in the end, when you pass to the next life, what matters is who you were, not your status on this earth.

4. You feel renewed.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

— Romans 12:2

Giving your heart to God means a new life, a new purpose, a new sense of self. It means washing your earthly worries away, day after day, and trusting in Him to guide you. It means that you don’t have to fear what will happen next, if the person you love will leave you, if you will be broken—because you are choosing to trust in His plan and will. And when you put your faith in Him, you know that no matter what happens, good or bad, He is watching over you and bringing you to where you’re supposed to be.

5. You find true happiness.

“Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

— Psalm 37:4

Happiness is not built upon what gifts you have been given, what desires of yours have been met, or what the world has granted you. True happiness is found in Christ—trusting Him, living like Him, allowing His purpose to work in your life.

When you give your heart to God, you become satisfied in all that He provides, in all the prayers He answers, and in all the ways He doesn’t give you what you ask for, but blesses you with something even better when the time is right.

6. You are rescued from pain.

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

— Psalm 34:18

There is no obstacle too great, no burden too big, no pain too profound for our God. Know this. Remember this. And remember that when you give Him your heart, He will save you from anything you face. He will lift you from darkness and into the light. He will restore your spirit and give you back your fight. No matter how lost, broken, sad, or defeated you feel—in Him you will rise again.

7. You experience real love.

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

— Romans 5:8

Earthly love is imperfect. There is lust and infidelity, lies and broken promises, mistrust and fear. Yes, human love can be beautiful, but the most beautiful form of love stems from God and His unfailing love for us.

Christ died for you. And when you choose to give your heart to God, you are choosing to feel that wonderful, whole, complete love, all of your days. You are choosing to be saved by His glory, and strengthened by His spirit. Earthly love can lift your spirits, but it cannot heal you, save you, or bless you like God’s love does. So know that when you trust Him with your heart, you are putting it in the best place it can be. And you will experience real love, unconditional love, for the first time.

8. You feel fearless.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

— John 14:27

You are an imperfect person—there will be days when you shrink back, timid and nervous. But when you trust God with your heart, you know that He is your fighter, your father, your forever support. Sure, you will still have your earthly doubt. But you will also know that you are not alone. Every day He will strengthen you. Every day He will remind you of your power in Him. And every day you will be encouraged to walk this earth proud and unafraid.