On the Hunt: Seeking the Presence of God
True success in spiritual life never happens by accident. We live in a fast-paced world that conditions us to seek immediate gratification, quick answers, and shortcut solutions. Too often, we bring this same "microwave" mindset to our relationship with God. We long for powerful, life-changing encounters with the Holy Spirit, yet we approach His presence casually, wondering why we feel distant or disconnected.
On Sunday, November 1, 2026, Pastor Nate Cress delivered an inspiring message titled "On the Hunt: Seeking the Presence." Building on High Point’s 2027 vision theme of prioritizing His Presence, Pastor Nate used the vivid metaphor of the hunt to demonstrate how believers must actively, intentionally, and patiently position themselves to encounter Almighty God.
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” — Jeremiah 29:13
The Difference Between a Hiker and a Hunter
An experienced hunter understands that game is not found by aimlessly crashing through the brush and making noise. Success requires intentionality, patience, keen eyes, an awareness of the wind, and a deep understanding of the terrain.
Pastor Nate highlighted a key distinction: a casual hiker and a skilled hunter view the exact same woods through completely different lenses:
The Hiker: Walks through the woods focused only on getting from Point A to Point B. They enjoy proximity to nature, but their movement is casual, and they miss the subtle life unfolding around them.
The Hunter: Moves with hyper-awareness and purpose. Where a hiker sees a simple scratch on tree bark, a hunter recognizes a buck marking its territory.
In our spiritual lives, too many of us behave like hikers. We rush through our daily schedules, moving through the motions of routine, while completely missing the spiritual signposts and footprints God has placed along our path. God is not hiding from us to evade us; He leaves a trail because He wants to be found.
4 Principles for Seeking God’s Presence
To move from a casual observer to an active seeker of God’s presence, Pastor Nate outlined four fundamental steps derived from the art of the hunt:
1. Read the Signs (Spiritual Awareness)
Scripture: Psalm 19:1; Psalm 119:105
God is constantly revealing His active presence to those who know how to look. He leaves behind clear markers for us to follow:
His Word: Scripture provides an illuminated trail of truth for our feet, keeping us on the right path.
His Spirit: The Holy Spirit leaves distinct "tracks" in our hearts—manifested as inner peace, gentle conviction, or a holy restlessness when something is out of alignment.
Creation and Circumstances: The vastness of creation and the unfolding circumstances of our daily lives declare God's glory and handiwork if we slow down enough to notice them.
2. Check the Wind (Discernment and Humility)
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:21; James 4:6
In the woods, a hunter’s scent travels on the breeze long before a target comes into view. Ignoring the wind blows your cover and ruins the encounter. In the spiritual realm, our heart's attitude acts as a scent carried on the wind:
Self-Reliance and Pride: Create a spiritual foul stench that repels the Holy Spirit. Pride claims, "I don't need God, I can handle this on my own."
Obedience and Humility: Keep us positioned "downwind," properly aligned with God's direction. Humility declares, "Lord, I need Your transformation and grace."
3. Position Yourself for the Encounter (Discipline and Patience)
Scripture: Psalm 27:14
A hunter cannot force game to appear, but they can position themselves in the tree stand and stay ready. They sit patiently through the cold and the silence, refusing to abandon their post after just ten minutes.
Believers often miss out on divine encounters because we abandon our spiritual "stands" too quickly when we don't feel immediate results. We must hunker down in three essential disciplines:
The Stand of Prayer: Setting aside unhurried, quiet time to not only present requests, but to listen for God's voice.
The Stand of Worship: Keeping our hearts expectant and fixed on God, even when the season feels quiet, dry, or cold.
The Stand of Obedience: Staying faithfully right where God told us to wait until He provides the next direction.
OUR THREE SPIRITUAL “TREE STANDS” | ||
STAND OF PRAYER Unhurried time to listen. | STAND OF WORSHIP Keeping an expectant heart. | OBEDIENCE Staying put until led. |
4. Recognize the Right Moment (Action in Faith)
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:2
When the moment of encounter arrives in the field, all the waiting, track-reading, and positioning converge into a single instant. Moving too early ruins the shot; moving too late misses the opportunity entirely.
When the Holy Spirit illuminates scripture to your heart, brings deep conviction, or opens a clear door of service, do not freeze or hesitate:
Answer the Call: Respond immediately with a willing heart.
Make the Confession: Agree with God’s truth and align your mouth with His word.
Take the Step of Faith: Step courageously outside your comfort zone to obey what He is asking you to do.
Seeking the God Who Draws Near
Here is where the hunting metaphor breaks down in the most beautiful way: in nature, a hunter pursues an elusive prey that actively flees. But in the Kingdom of God, the God we seek is actively drawing us to Himself.
God does not play hide-and-seek to keep you away. He leaves tracks so that you will follow Him. He positions you in seasons of waiting so you can learn to hear His voice. As we sharpen our spiritual senses, test our heart's wind, and sit patiently in His presence, we have His unbroken promise: when we seek Him with all our heart, we will surely find Him.
Small Group Discussion Questions
1. Hiker vs. Hunter Mindset
Scripture: Psalm 119:18; Jeremiah 29:13
Question: Pastor Nate contrasted a casual "hiker" with an intentional "hunter." In what areas of your spiritual life have you been acting like a hiker (runs through routines) rather than a hunter (actively seeking to encounter God's presence)?
2. Reading God's Track Record
Scripture: Psalm 19:1–4; Romans 1:20
Question: What are some subtle "tracks" or signposts of God's presence?
3. The Power of the Word
Scripture: Psalm 119:105; Hebrews 4:12
Question: Psalm 119:105 calls God's Word a lamp to our feet. How does regular, intentional scripture reading help us recognize God's direction when facing difficult decisions?
4. Discernment and Spiritual "Scent"
Scripture: James 4:6–8; 1 Thessalonians 5:21
Question: How do pride and self-reliance act as a negative "scent" that repels the work of the Holy Spirit in our personal relationships and daily walk?
5. Staying Downwind in Humility
Scripture: 1 Peter 5:5–7; Micah 6:8
Question: What practical spiritual habits help keep us humble and "downwind," aligned with God's will rather than pushing our own agenda?
6. The Stand of Prayer
Scripture: Psalm 27:14; Matthew 6:6
Question: The sermon described the "Stand of Prayer" as setting aside unhurried, quiet time to listen. What makes "listening prayer" so difficult in today’s noisy culture, and how can we guard that time?
7. Worship in Cold Seasons
Scripture: Habakkuk 3:17–18; Psalm 42:5
Question: How can we maintain a "Stand of Worship" and keep an expectant heart when God feels distant or when we are going through a spiritually cold season?
8. The Discipline of Staying Put
Scripture: Isaiah 40:31; Galatians 6:9
Question: Have you ever abandoned your spiritual "stand" (giving up on a prayer, a ministry, or a season of waiting) too early? What did that experience teach you about God’s timing?
9. Recognizing the Moment of Faith
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:2; James 1:22
Question: Why do we sometimes hesitate or freeze when the Holy Spirit prompts us to take a step of faith or make a confession?
10. Taking Steps Outside the Comfort Zone
Scripture: Peter walking on water (Matthew 14:28–31); Joshua 1:9
Question: Pastor Nate mentioned that true faith requires doing things that might scare us. What is one step of obedience God might be asking you to take right now that requires stepping past fear?