It is tempting to be satisfied with only a fraction of the Holy Spirit’s manifest presence in our lives. He will not force Himself upon us. He will not demand His right to control and direct our lives. He will assume the place He is given. If we think, as Samson came to believe, that we can do things in our own strength, then He will allow us to. If we choose to quench or resist or grieve the Holy Spirit, He will step aside and let us live our lives apart from Him. But then we will also miss out on the peace, power, and joy that only comes when we are Spirit filled.
Others make the mistake of assuming they can fill themselves. All they need is a good prayer time or a Spirit-filled worship service, or a visit from their minister, and they will be filled once more. But the truth is, we cannot fill ourselves. Just as the Holy Spirit will not fill us against our will; so neither can we have Him fill us against His will. There are no incantations or rituals or prayers we can pray that compels the Spirit to do our bidding.
The key to being Spirit-filled is surrender. It comes when we recognize our absolute dependence upon Him for our life and well-being. It occurs when we are so desperate for His presence that we are willing to renounce any sin, humble ourselves to any extent, and to plead for Him to restore our relationship with Him. It happens when we are no longer content to live with only a fraction of what God can and wants to do in our lives. Are you ready to allow the Holy Spirit to fill every part of your life? Then lay everything down. Immediately obey what He commands. Then enjoy the experience of having the Holy Spirit permeate every corner of your being.