Posted September 3, 2026, by Timothy

What It Feels Like to Have the Holy Spirit

For many believers, the Holy Spirit is not just an emotion or a passing sensation — He is the living presence of God dwelling within those who belong to Christ.

While experiences vary, Scripture and personal testimony point to several common ways His presence can be felt. BE SURE TO READ MY TESTIMONY AT THE END OF THIS MESSAGE!

1. Peace that doesn’t make sense
One of the most often described feelings is a deep, steady peace — not the absence of problems, but the assurance that God is with you even in uncertainty, grief, or fear. This is called the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7)

2. Warmth, comfort, and love
Many report a sense of being embraced or hugged by God, like a warm, loving presence. This can feel like a physical warmth, a gentle embrace, or a deep sense of belonging and acceptance.

3. Clarity and indescribable knowing
The Spirit can bring sudden insight or understanding that feels “holy” or beyond ordinary explanation. This might be accompanied by a sense of being surrounded by light or a holy presence.

4. Empowerment and motivation
Some feel a surge of energy, inspiration, or a call to action. This can be a physical sensation — tingling, electricity, or a sense of balance and mental stability — paired with a strong desire to serve God.

5. Cleansing and transformation
The Holy Spirit works in the hidden places of the heart, shaping character, guiding decisions, and drawing us closer to God. This can feel like a deep inner change, purification, or renewal.

6. Protection and security
Believers often describe feeling safe, shielded, or protected in times of danger or anxiety, as if God is standing guard over them.

Important note:
The Holy Spirit is a person, not just a feeling. While some experiences are dramatic, many of His works are quiet and gradual — shaping your heart, guiding your thoughts, and deepening your relationship with God.

Not every believer will have the same physical or emotional sensations, but the core is the same: a personal, transforming relationship with God.

If you’re seeking to sense His presence, prayer, Scripture, and community can help you become more attuned to His voice and work in your life.

My Born Again Story by Timothy Stolz March 2019

I’m getting up early and getting ready to go to work. I’m a painting contractor, 31 years in business same small mountain town.

As I finished getting dressed, I felt something unusual, something different, I remember later I could not put my finger on it.

As I walk out of my bedroom, through the dining room, I see a thank you note sitting on the very corner of a large table, closets to where I’m about to walk past. It had somehow traveled from my office downtown to my house about 4 years earlier. I moved it when I dusted it but never put the card back at the corner of my table.

As I walked by the table and past that Thankyou card, I reached out, touched it with my finger and said to myself, fully believing I could do this….in my head I said “I wish I could send this card to you God, someone is praying for me over my hurt back, and I haven’t had one to pray for me in well over 15 years”.

Suddenly, I was thrown to my knees. I felt the intense warming of my whole body. I began to shake, to vibrate. Realizing I was receiving a Holy Spirit visit, I put my hands into the air and cried out “Thank you Jesus, Thank you!” over and over again.

The shaking got more intense. I felt like falling over. Tears of joy clouded my vision. This lasted about 17 – 18 seconds.

Background is important.

I had fallen and hurt my back. I had three physical therapy sessions with Paula Hale. This was now a few days after that third session. At the end of the first session Paula asked if she could pray for me. Of course, I said YES!

Background again. It’s important as a past prayer experience that worked

12 years earlier I was on my back in the Emergency Roon here in Estes Park, Colorado. I had been drinking Burbon and beer steady for three days trying to get some sleep from a different back injury. This was 2007.

My BAC was .465 over five times the legal limit. My eyes were beginning to lose sight as black holes were developing in my vision. The doctor said if I had waited 20 more minutes to come to the ER, he may not have been able to save me. Well, that got my attention! Hello yes, if I was about to die, pray all you want!

He and a nurse bent over me, laid their hands on me and prayed that I would stop drinking.

I went home that afternoon, threw out all my liquor, and began to wonder what in the world was I DOING ALMOST DYING?

That day became my first day sober. I had withdrawals for three days, they were gone!

So, I remembered these prayers when Paula asked me if she could pray for me.

My touching that card and sending it to God with my thankyou that someone (Paula) was praying for me again.

Then BANG! A Born Again experience I will always cherish!

Get yours today!

Read John 3:3

Timothy

Contact Timothy [email protected]