HIGHER GROUND

I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining every day;
Still praying as I’m onward bound,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”

Sometimes I get complacent and comfortable in my life and walk with the Lord.  The American lifestyle makes that so easy.  This song by Johnson Oatman, Jr. (circa 1898) reminds me that I am not here on this earth to “just get by” or “hold on until the Lord comes”.  I am here to fulfill God’s will and be a delight to Him.  How can I do that if I am just dong enough to get by?  I always cry out to God for His help when I am going through a trial but what about when life is full of good times and complacency?

Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith, on Heaven’s tableland,
A higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

Lately I have been almost overwhelmed with the evil happening in the world.  Wars, killings, hate crimes, and natural disasters fill the news broadcasts every day.  If I pondered these things over and over I would tend to feel the hopelessness of it all but God has ordained that I not dwell there.  I turn to praise and singing when faced with so much evil and I join other believers in regular worship and praise (Hebrews 10:25).

I want to live above the world,
Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;
For faith has caught the joyful sound,
The song of saints on higher ground.

I want to scale the utmost height
And catch a gleam of glory bright;
But still I’ll pray till heav’n I’ve found,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

Have you ever heard the phrase “He’s so heavenly-minded that he’s no earthly good”?  I think that when we ARE heavenly-minded we can do the most earthly good!  I have found that when I focus on, trust in, rely on my Heavenly Father throughout the day then He gives me the words and actions that are in His will to reach out to those around me.  While I reach out I still hold His promises in my heart that He will return for me some day and take me to that final “higher ground” to live forever in His Presence.

Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith, on Heaven’s tableland,
A higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

Are you looking for relief from the troubles of this world?  Are you longing for peace in all the turmoil?  Are you looking for higher ground?  Turn to your Heavenly Father and He will lift you there even while you are still on the earth.

“For who is God except the Lord? Or who is the Rock save our God, The God who girds me with strength and makes my way perfect?  He makes my feet like hinds’ feet [able to stand firmly or make progress on the dangerous heights of testing and trouble]; He sets me securely upon my high places.”  -Psalm 18:31-33 AMP