Our tastes change as we grow. For example, few adults would want to eat baby food for a meal. Things that once satisfied us start to lose their appeal. Maturity shifts our desires. And the same is true in our spiritual lives. As we grow in Christ, our hearts begin to hunger for what pleases God rather than what pleases the flesh.
Romans 8:5 says, “Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.” The question is simple but deeply personal: What controls your thoughts?
Romans 8 is often considered the crown jewel of the entire Bible. It’s full of reassurance, power, and the promise that the Holy Spirit now dwells in every believer. That truth changes everything. Without the Holy Spirit, we are weak and powerless against sin. But with Him, we are secure, assured, and even prayed for. Yes, Romans 8:26 tells us that the Spirit prays for us with groanings too deep for words. Even when we don’t know how to pray, He does.
Think about that: God Himself, through His Spirit, intercedes for you. But how do you know the Spirit lives in you? Paul gives several pieces of evidence in Romans 8:
– Leading (v14): If the Spirit leads, you won’t feel dragged into holiness. You’ll be drawn toward it. The Spirit leads us into truth, not confusion.
– Confidence (v15): You’re no longer a slave to fear. The Spirit replaces insecurity with holy confidence, not in yourself, but in God’s goodness.
– Intimacy (v15b): We cry out, “Abba, Father.” That word “Abba” is not formal. It’s close. Personal. A childlike trust that comes only when the Spirit assures
you that you belong.
– Security (v16): The Spirit testifies with your spirit that you are God’s child. That means your assurance of salvation doesn’t rest on emotion or performance, but on the unchanging truth of God’s promise.
– Identity (v17): We are co-heirs with Christ—adopted into God’s family, with all the rights and riches of being His sons and daughters.
So, does the Holy Spirit live in you? If you belong to Jesus, the answer is yes. And if you’re not sure where to begin in deepening that relationship, start with prayer. Don’t worry if your prayers feel weak or messy. The Holy Spirit meets you there. He cleans up your prayers. He strengthens your heart. And He draws you closer to the Father.
Richard Foster once wrote, “Real prayer comes not from gritting our teeth but from falling in love.” That’s what the Spirit invites you into: a love relationship with God. So pray—even if it’s simple. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you, lead you, and assure you. Because when the Spirit lives within you, you’re no longer dominated by fear or failure. You’re loved, you’re secure, and you’re free.