Come, Holy Spirit: Awakening to the Person, Promise, Presence, and Power of the Holy Spirit
Regan Yoakam |
June 1, 2025
Have you ever felt like you’re trying to follow Jesus in your own strength but something’s still missing? You’re not alone. Many believers wrestle with the mystery of the Holy Spirit—wondering if He’s just a feeling, a force, or something else entirely. But the truth is, the Holy Spirit is not just an abstract concept or a vague energy. He is a real Person, essential to our relationship with God and our daily walk of faith.
The Holy Spirit: More Than a Force
Many people, including a significant portion of the church, misunderstand the Holy Spirit. According to research from Arizona Christian University, 58% of self-identified Christians believe the Holy Spirit is not a real living being but merely a symbol of God's power or a force. This misconception can limit our experience with God and leave us feeling spiritually underwhelmed.
But the Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force like the "Force" in Star Wars or just an abstract power. He is the third Person of the Trinity—fully God, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit has intellect, emotions, and a will. He desires to be known, to relate to us personally, and to empower us for holy living.
Who is the Holy Spirit? Understanding His Personhood
The Holy Spirit is not a vague energy but a divine Person with unique personality traits. Scripture reveals three key aspects of His personhood:
Intellect
The Holy Spirit is intelligent and teaches us deep spiritual truths. In John 14:26, Jesus calls Him the Helper or Comforter, who will teach believers all things and bring to remembrance everything Jesus has said. The Holy Spirit illuminates Scripture, helping us understand and apply ancient truths in fresh, life-changing ways.
Jesus also said in John 16:13, "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth." This means the Holy Spirit actively guides believers into deeper revelation of God’s Word and will. As you read the Bible, you can ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to things you have never seen before. This ongoing illumination is a beautiful gift that brings the teachings of Jesus to life in practical ways.
Emotions
The Holy Spirit has emotions and can be grieved by our actions. Ephesians 4:30 warns believers, "Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." When we engage in bitterness, anger, unforgiveness, or gossip, we cause sorrow to the Spirit. This shows that the Holy Spirit deeply cares about our unity, holiness, and love for one another.
Knowing the Holy Spirit as a Person who has emotions helps us recognize the importance of living in a way that honors Him. We can choose to walk in kindness, forgiveness, and grace, aligning ourselves with His heart and avoiding actions that grieve Him.
Will
The Holy Spirit has a will and actively distributes spiritual gifts according to His discretion. 1 Corinthians 12:11 says, "All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills." This means the Holy Spirit sovereignly gives believers different gifts—such as prophecy, healing, intercession, or evangelism—equipping the church to function effectively for God’s glory.
If you feel you lack certain spiritual gifts, know that the Holy Spirit can empower you when the time is right. He works in community, fanning the flames of gifts in each believer, helping us grow and serve. This is why fellowship and discipleship are vital—they help us discover and develop the gifts God has given us through the Spirit.
The Promise and Presence of the Holy Spirit
Throughout the Bible, the Holy Spirit is promised and promised again as God’s abiding presence with His people. He was present at creation, "hovering over the waters" (Genesis 1:2), and moved powerfully upon people in the Old Testament for specific tasks or seasons.
But the Holy Spirit’s presence became permanent and personal after Jesus came. He promised His disciples that after His ascension, He would send the Spirit to be with them forever (John 14:16-17). Pentecost marked the arrival of this promise fulfilled, empowering the church to carry out Jesus’ mission worldwide.
Today, the Holy Spirit is not just a distant force but an intimate presence living inside every believer who has said “yes” to Jesus. He is our protector, guide, comforter, and source of power. When we pray "Come, Holy Spirit," we are asking Him to awaken us to His presence, stir our hearts, and fill us anew.
The Power of the Holy Spirit: Living Awakened and On Fire
The ultimate purpose of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives is to empower us to live holy, fruitful lives that reflect Jesus. The Spirit convicts us, guides us into truth, and equips us with gifts to serve others. But He also produces fruit in our character—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
It’s not enough to desire revival or supernatural gifts without growing in the love and holiness the Spirit cultivates. As the teaching reminds us, “What are we doing if we can’t show up for our families, our spouses, our friends?” The Spirit’s power leads to transformation in every area of life.
Living awakened to the Holy Spirit means breaking free from fear of man, stepping out in faith, and embracing the full life God offers. It means being on fire for Jesus—not as spectators but active participants in His kingdom work. It means saying “yes” to the Spirit’s leading, allowing Him to fill us, guide us, and use us for His glory.
How to Grow in Relationship with the Holy Spirit
If you want to know the Holy Spirit more deeply, here are three practical steps:
Repent: Change your mind about the Holy Spirit. See Him as a Person to be known and loved, not just a force to be harnessed.
Ask: Invite the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. Pray for His filling, wisdom, and empowerment.
Grow: Develop the fruit and gifts of the Spirit in your life. Engage in community where you can learn, serve, and be encouraged in your spiritual gifts.
Remember, the Holy Spirit is already present in every believer, but He desires to stir us more fully—to awaken us to His power and presence. As you seek Him, you will experience a deeper connection with God and a greater ability to live out your faith with boldness and love.