A Nagging or Nudging Spirit? (Psalm 32 (LD 21; COD Head 5 Article 5)

As a Reformed person I believe that the Holy Spirit will not leave the people that God has chosen.  When someone who is not persuaded of perseverance of the saints hears such talk they immediately think that the Reformed view teaches that God leads people around on a string.  The concern with Reformed Theology is that man becomes a puppet, an empty shell, or a blind follower who has been deprived of a will.  Is Reformed Theology teaching that the Holy Spirit is merely God’s string? Do Reformed people really believe that man is emptied or relieved of his will/desires/decision making ability?  How can Reformed People account for man’s will while God overwhelms His elect people by His Spirit?