Do I Really Have the Holy Spirit? Facts, Faith, and Freedom
Have you ever wondered, “If I really have the Holy Spirit inside me, why don’t I feel it?”
If so, you’re not alone. So many believers wrestle with that tension between what they’ve been taught and what they actually feel day to day. And here’s the good news: you don’t have to stay stuck in uncertainty. Today, I want to show you a foolproof way to renew your mind, anchor your heart, and walk in confidence with the Holy Spirit. It all comes down to three little words: Facts, Faith, and Feelings.
My Story: From Religion to Relationship
I didn’t grow up in a deeply Christian home. My mom believed in giving us a “moral foundation,” so she faithfully sent us to Sunday School. That meant I spent my childhood hopping from Lutheran to Baptist to Methodist churches. I learned Bible stories. I knew the “church lingo.” But I didn’t know how to have a personal relationship with God—or that the Holy Spirit was meant to guide my everyday life.
Fast forward to my twenties: I was broken, depressed, addicted, and at the end of myself. A DWI, a suicide attempt, and a co-worker who dared to bring me the gospel cracked my world wide open. That day, religion ended and a relationship began.
I finally discovered that the Holy Spirit wasn’t just an idea in a creed. He was my Counselor, my Teacher, my Friend. He wanted to renew my mind—not just clean up my behavior. And that changed everything.
The Framework: Facts → Faith → Feelings
One of my clients once said to me, “Brenda, I just don’t feel like I have the Holy Spirit.” Maybe you’ve thought that too. But here’s the truth: this isn’t about feelings. It’s about facts and faith first.
1. Facts First
God’s Word is your fact. Romans 8:11 says: “The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you.” That’s not a maybe. That’s not dependent on feelings. If you belong to Christ, His Spirit lives in you. Period.
2. Faith Second
Romans 8:14 tells us: “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.” Just as you received salvation by faith, you walk in the Spirit by faith. Faith is choosing to align your trust with God’s facts—even when you don’t feel them yet.
3. Feelings Last
Feelings aren’t bad. They just don’t lead. They’re the caboose on the train, not the engine. Pastor John Piper explains it beautifully: facts are the locomotive, faith is the coal car, and feelings are the caboose. The train can run without the caboose, but it won’t move without the engine.
Friend, when you put facts first and faith second, feelings will follow in time. But even when they don’t, you can keep walking forward.
Why Science Agrees with Scripture
Your brain is neuroplastic—it changes based on what you focus on and repeat. Toxic thoughts carve toxic patterns in your brain, but God designed you with the ability to “wire out what you’ve wired in.”
Romans 12:2 says, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” That word “transformed” means a complete metamorphosis—a rewiring. And the Holy Spirit is your Helper in that process. He teaches, reminds, and equips you to take every thought captive (John 14:26, 2 Corinthians 10:5).
This is not positive thinking. This is Spirit-led thinking.
Four Practical Steps to Walk It Out
Here’s a simple process you can practice every day:
Name the Facts — Write down what Scripture says about who God is, who Jesus is, and who you are in Him. Say it out loud.
Choose Faith — Declare, “I believe this truth—even when I don’t feel it yet.”
Let Feelings Follow — Refuse to let emotions take the driver’s seat. They can ride along, but they don’t steer.
Practice Daily Renewal — Repeat the facts. Fuel them with faith. Over time, your brain rewires, and your feelings align.
Final Encouragement
If you’ve ever doubted, “Do I really have the Holy Spirit?” I want you to hold onto this truth: Facts first. Faith second. Feelings last.
You are not behind. You are not inadequate. You are not stuck. The Spirit of God is alive in you, renewing your mind one thought at a time.
👉 In the Day One of Sobriety podcast (Episode 12), I walk through this teaching in detail and even share a Quick Reference Guide: The Facts of Scripture that you can download to help you fix your focus when doubt hits.
Friend, you can wire out whatever you’ve wired in. And when you do, the Holy Spirit will lead you into freedom.
DISCLAIMER: The Day One of Sobriety podcast and blog are for educational and entertainment purposes only. Please consult your physician or doctor for all medical advice and counsel.
