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Practice the Presence of God – Lesson #3

Practice the Presence of God – Lesson #3

Practice the Presence of God

Chuck Hill, D.Min.

chuckhilltoday.com

Slowing Down And Looking Up

Leadership is a relentless journey filled with demands, decisions, and distractions. The pressures of guiding others can pull us in a hundred different directions, making it easy to equate leadership with constant motion. But true strength doesn’t come from endless striving—it comes from abiding in God’s presence.

Psalm 46:10 reminds us: “Be still, and know that I am God.” In a world that glorifies busyness, this command challenges us to slow down and remember that leadership is not about how much we do, but about how well we remain connected to the One who leads us. Before we can effectively lead others, we must first learn to lead ourselves. This begins by discovering our identity in Christ, discerning His purpose for us, and developing godly character—not through frantic activity but through intentional seeking. As Paul writes in Acts 17:28, “In Him we live and move and have our being.” Our ability to lead well is directly tied to our ability to dwell in His presence continuously. The more we cultivate an awareness of Him, the more we gain clarity, peace, and wisdom beyond our own understanding.

Strength Through Stillness

Moses understood this principle deeply. When tasked with leading Israel, he declared to God, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here” (Exodus 33:15). Moses refused to move without God’s direction, setting a powerful example for leaders today—before making decisions, casting vision, or taking action, we must first ensure that we are aligned with Him.

Jesus also modeled this dependence on the Father. Despite the pressures of His ministry, He often withdrew to solitary places to pray (Luke 5:16). His strength didn’t come from relentless activity but from abiding in intimate communion with God. If the Son of God prioritized stillness before action, how much more should we? When we neglect time in God’s presence, we risk leading in our own strength—a strength that will always fall short.

A Contemporary Perspective

Christian author and pastor Pete Scazzero emphasizes, “The greatest gift you can give those you lead is your own transformation.” When we slow down to be with Jesus, He transforms us, equipping us to lead from a place of spiritual health rather than exhaustion.

Ways to Practice God’s Presence

1. Prioritize Time with Him — Before leading others, spend time alone with God (Matthew 6:6).

2. Quiet Your Heart — Create space to listen instead of constantly speaking (1 Kings 19:12).

3. Invite Him Into Every Moment — Acknowledge His presence throughout the day, not just in prayer times (Proverbs 3:6).

4. Rest in His Peace — Leadership can be overwhelming, but His presence brings stillness to our souls (Philippians 4:7).

5. Lead from a Place of Overflow — When you are filled with God’s presence, you naturally lead with wisdom and grace (John 7:38).

Conclusion

Great leadership isn’t about constantly doing—it’s about consistently abiding. When we prioritize God’s presence, we gain the strength, clarity, and peace needed to lead well. So today, pause. Be still. Acknowledge His presence. Lead not from depletion, but from the overflow of time spent with Him.