The Christian life is one of looking forward to what is coming. The best is yet to come, would be a an accurate statement of the attitude a Christian should have. Unfortunately, sometimes people become confused concerning the promises that the LORD has given to us. Partially, this may be the fault of well meaning Christians, who overemphasize the present.
For me, the greatest gift, that I have now, is the Holy Spirit. Once I accepted Christ, I was given a guide to walk with me and direct me through this life. To some people, the thought of having a powerful spiritual being guide you through life, may sound strange or even creepy. It sounds similar to many occult practices, Hindu practices, and even strange science fiction plots.
The LORD wants us in a relationship with Him, trusting Him, and walking with Him each day. Jesus promised that soon after He departed, the Father would send a Comforter to be with His disciples. Since Jesus would no longer be here in the flesh, this Holy Spirit would dwell within us, comforting us and guiding us.
Now, if the LORD does anything good, Satan will mimic the good thing, turning it into something bad. That is why Christians believe in demons affecting people. If the Holy Spirit of God, a benevolent, perfect being, who loves us with a perfect love, dwells within those that are His, to bless and guide them, then it makes sense that Satan would do something similar, but with evil intent. Where the Holy Spirit brings peace and comfort, the demonic brings damage and difficulty. All of this is to say, being indwelt by the Spirit is nothing like being possessed by a demon. Instead, the Spirit’s presence gives us comfort and allows us to make our own decisions, while still affirming the right way, and showing us our mistakes.
The Spirit of God brought a peace to my life on this earth that I had never experienced. Do I still worry at times when I should not? Yes. Do I still quench that Spirit and sin at times? Yes. Does the Holy Spirit remain with me anyway, chastising me, comforting me, and continuing to direct me? Yes! That gives me extraordinary peace that God is in control, that He loves me, and that He will save me from hell and take me to heaven when the end comes.
My life is no less filled with trials and problems due to my faith, and in fact, I probably have more earthly problems than if I had never accepted Christ. Still I have peace. The truth about the peace of the Holy Spirit though, is that my earthly peace is just a token to remind me of what I have waiting on the other side.
Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (1 Corinthians 2:9)