Filled with the Holy Spirit

To be filled with the Holy Spirit means allowing Him to control and empower every part of your life. As you yield to the Spirit, He gives you strength, courage, and a joy that the world cannot take away. True joy is spiritual—it flows from the presence of the Holy Spirit within. Even in the midst of trials, a Spirit-filled person can rejoice because the Spirit continually renews the heart with hope, peace, and assurance in God’s promises.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit who dwells within me. I surrender every part of my life to Your control. Fill me, Lord, with Your Spirit—empower me to live in obedience, faith, and love. When trials come, remind me that true joy is found not in my circumstances but in Your presence. Renew my heart each day with Your peace, hope, and strength. Help me to walk in the fullness of Your Spirit so that my life may reflect Your glory and bring encouragement to others.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

The main difference between the first-century followers of Jesus and many Christians today lies in the power of the Holy Spirit. For the early believers, living in the fullness of the Holy Spirit was not the exception—it was their normal way of life.

ACTS 4:31 …and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness.

ACTS 6:5 …Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit…

ACTS 11:24 for he (Barnabas) was… full of the Holy Spirit and of faith…

Joy and the Holy Spirit characterized the lives of the early believers. It is a God-given privilege for us as well to live a life marked by joy and the fullness of the Holy Spirit. To be filled with the Spirit is not a special experience reserved for a few—it is the privilege and calling of every believer. This is what the normal Christian life was always meant to be.

EPHESIANS 5:18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,

To be drunk with wine means to lose self-control and come under the influence of something that dulls the mind and leads to reckless, wasteful behavior. The word “dissipation” means excess, wastefulness, or a life without restraint—literally “a life that is ruined.” It describes the kind of behavior that results when people are controlled by their desires rather than by God.

This isn’t only about alcohol; it symbolizes anything that takes control of us and leads us away from a godly, disciplined life—whether it’s addiction, anger, greed, or worldly pleasures.

In contrast, believers are commanded to be filled with the Holy Spirit. To be filled with the Spirit means to be under His influence and control—allowing the Spirit to guide our thoughts, emotions, decisions, and actions. Just as wine can control a person’s behavior when they’re drunk, the Holy Spirit should so fill a believer that He directs and empowers every part of their life.

EPHESIANS 5:19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord; 20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to our God and Father; 21 and subject yourselves to one another in the fear of Christ.

This describes what a Spirit-filled life looks like in action. Paul shows that when the Holy Spirit fills a believer, it transforms both their inner life and their relationships with others.

A Spirit-filled person is marked by worship and encouragement. Their words build others up, and their heart overflows with praise to God. True worship comes from within — it’s not just about music, but about a heart that delights in the Lord. Gratitude is another sign of being filled with the Spirit. Instead of complaining or focusing on difficulties, a Spirit-filled believer maintains a thankful heart, trusting that God is good and sovereign in every circumstance. The Spirit also produces humility and a servant attitude. A Spirit-filled life is not self-centered but seeks to honor Christ through mutual respect, submission, and love toward others.

ACTS 13:52 And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

This shows the result of being filled with the Holy Spirit — a life marked by continual joy, even in difficult circumstances. The disciples in this verse had just faced persecution and rejection, yet instead of despair, they were filled with joy. This joy was not based on outward comfort or success, but on the inner presence and power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit produced in them a deep, unshakable gladness that came from knowing God’s love, purpose, and victory through Christ.

ACTS 11:24 for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord.

This statement reveals the character and influence of a Spirit-filled believer.

Barnabas was called “a good man,” not merely because of human goodness, but because his life reflected the goodness of God working within him. Being “full of the Holy Spirit and of faith” means he was completely surrendered to God’s control and trusted Him fully. The Holy Spirit guided his actions, words, and attitude, and his faith enabled him to see God’s power at work even in challenging situations.

As a result, his life became a powerful testimony that drew others to Christ — “considerable numbers were brought to the Lord.” This shows that when a person is truly filled with the Spirit and lives by faith, God can use that life as an instrument to lead many to salvation.

Prayer to Be a Vessel of the Holy Spirit

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the example of Barnabas — a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. Lord, I desire to live that same kind of life — one that reflects Your goodness, love, and truth.

Fill me, Lord, with Your Holy Spirit. Take control of my heart, my thoughts, my words, and my actions. Help me to walk each day in faith, trusting in Your wisdom and strength rather than my own. Remove any pride, fear, or doubt that hinders me from being fully surrendered to You.

Make me a vessel for Your glory, Lord. Let Your Spirit shine through me so that others may see Christ in my life and be drawn to You. Use me to bring encouragement to the weary, hope to the lost, and truth to those who seek You.

Just as You used Barnabas to bring many to the Lord, I pray that my life, too, would bear fruit for Your Kingdom. May everything I do point people to Jesus, my Savior and Redeemer.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen.