Filled with the Holy Spirit, Not Just Topped Off

Many believers treat the Holy Spirit like a power-up for special moments, which we tap into when running low. But that’s not how Jesus intended it. As we continue rediscovering the Holy Spirit, we’re reminded that the filling of the Holy Spirit is not a one-time event; it’s an ongoing invitation to live empowered, aware, and aligned with God.

“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit…”
— Ephesians 5:18 (ESV)

Being filled with the Spirit is a daily posture, not a one-time experience.

---

Big Idea 1: The Filling of the Spirit is Meant to Be Ongoing

The original language of Ephesians 5:18 suggests a continuous action: “be being filled” with the Spirit. In other words, Paul isn’t describing a spiritual event that happened once during a revival service—he’s describing a way of life.

The Holy Spirit’s filling is not meant to be a rare experience reserved for church services or emotional worship moments. It is meant to be part of the believer’s daily walk with God. It is a posture of dependence, not an occasional emotional peak. This filling renews us, transforms us, and strengthens us for the life we are called to live.

We leak, life drains us, and circumstances exhaust us. If we rely on yesterday’s filling to sustain today’s calling, we’ll quickly find ourselves running on fumes. The filling of the Holy Spirit isn’t just about emotional highs; it’s about supernatural empowerment for everyday living.

The Spirit wants to fill you with wisdom when you’re confused, peace when you’re anxious, boldness when you’re timid, and joy when you’re weary. And He’s not just available when you’re desperate—He’s ready every moment you surrender. The more consistently we return to Him for filling, the more we learn to live Spirit-aware instead of self-reliant.

Big Idea 2: The Filling of the Spirit Affects Our Entire Being

Paul compares being drunk with wine because both intoxication and Spirit-filling influence what we say, how we act, and how we treat others. One leads to loss of control; the other leads to Spirit-led control.

The Apostle’s point is powerful: what fills us forms us. If we’re filled with fear, frustration, or fleshly desires, our responses will be shaped by those things. But if we’re filled with the Spirit, we are shaped by His fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

When the Holy Spirit fills us, it’s not just a feeling; it’s fruit.

We begin to speak with grace, and our attitude shifts. We become more patient, more forgiving, and more generous. The filling of the Spirit isn’t confined to a prayer meeting—it shows up in how we parent, how we work, and how we respond to people who frustrate us.

The filling of the Spirit impacts our emotions, decisions, and relationships. It rewires how we process disappointment, how we love difficult people, and how we view our everyday tasks. To be filled with the Spirit is to live from the inside out—with every area of our lives saturated in God’s presence and power.

Big Idea 3: Staying Filled Requires Intentional Surrender

Being filled with the Holy Spirit isn’t about doing more but yielding more. It’s not a matter of trying harder but of opening wider. We must intentionally make room for the Spirit through daily prayer, worship, repentance, and a heart posture of obedience.

Staying filled requires vigilance in a world that constantly tries to distract, deplete, and redirect us. It’s about consistently resetting our spiritual attention—turning our hearts toward the voice of God instead of the noise of culture or the pressure of performance.

The Holy Spirit is not a spiritual topping we sprinkle on our routines—He is the source of life within us. We must slow down long enough to be filled and remain connected throughout the day. This connection doesn’t just happen once in the morning; it requires regular returning, realigning, and surrendering throughout the day.

When we start the day with the prayer, “Fill me, Holy Spirit,” we’re not just asking for energy—we’re asking for alignment. We’re giving God permission to direct our thoughts, fuel our responses, and shape our actions. Remaining filled is less about chasing a feeling and more about cultivating an ongoing relationship with the One who empowers, teaches, and transforms us from within.

---

The Holy Spirit’s filling is not a one-time spiritual high; it’s a lifestyle of continual renewal, empowerment, and intimacy. When we live filled, we live free. We live to produce spiritual fruit and are fully dependent on the Spirit who dwells in us. The more we make space for Him, the more we’ll reflect His presence in every part of our lives.

Action Step

Begin your day tomorrow by praying:
“Holy Spirit, fill me today. Every thought, every word, every step—I surrender it to You.”
Then, note throughout the day how your awareness of Him changes your responses and rhythms.

“To be filled with the Spirit is to be filled with the life of Christ Himself.”
— A.W. Tozer

Prayer

Holy Spirit, I don’t want to live on empty. I don’t want to rely on old strengths or past encounters. Fill me today. Fill every part of me: my heart, mind, words, and actions. Let Your life flow through mine. Teach me to live moment by moment in awareness of Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

---

What helps you stay filled with the Holy Spirit throughout your week? Share your habits, prayers, or experiences in the comments.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more devotionals and encouragement in your spiritual journey!
If this post encouraged you, consider sharing it on social media or reposting it on your blog to inspire others.

It begins with Christ!

If you don’t know Christ as your savior, it begins with the first step. Believe in Him and make Him Lord of your life! Committing your life to serve Him is the most significant decision! For more information on serving the Lord, CLICK HERE!

Thank you for reading. To stay updated with my latest adventures and insights, subscribe to my blog and be part of the journey.

Blessings,

Chad 

Stay Connected! Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

Chad is available for conferences, workshops, and church events. To book Chad for your next event or to inquire about specific topics, please contact him. For more information, click the following link: Speaking

Chad is available for personalized coaching sessions and consultations. Click the following link to book Chad or inquire about specific coaching and consultation services! Coaching

Do you need an extra set of eyes to review your document or blog post? Click Here: Chad’s Fiverr Proofreading Service

---