James, I have a trepidation of my impending death, also. I am once again fighting a battle for my life against cancer. It is human will to want to survive & to fight for it. I have endured a lot of pain & lost my physical ability to do many things I used to do without a second thought, even walking. Yet, I will endure. I will overcome. I may not beat cancer this time by being rid of it. It may well take my life. I will beat cancer because what it has taken away has only made me appreciate what matters most: my faith, my family, and my friends. I have had NDE's, priests saying last rites, & my family saying goodbye at my bedside. I experienced briefly, the life beyond & therefore know it truly exists. To answer your question on how we know God's thought's; it's all in the Bible. Also, when we accept him into our heart & allow the Holy Spirit to work within us, a spiritual bond is made where he can be heard by yourself. I am & will always be HIS. Are you planning to remain agnostic? Either way, I hope this helps : )