Higher Ground in 2011

As a kid I heard this song sung at church and I have always remembered it and tried to live by it. It is entitled 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.”

Refrain:
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.

My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where those abound,
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground.

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.”

The verses of this song teach 4 important ideas about reaching Higher Ground.

1. Devotion to Jesus is required. Without a devotion to Christ, any effort to grow spiritually is a futile effort. As the philosopher Blaise Pascal so simply put it, “There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every person, and it can never be filled by any created thing. It can only be filled by God, made known through Jesus Christ.”

2. Desire for more. Coming to Christ is like walking into a huge 17th century castle. You can't recognize the awesomeness, beauty, and inspiration by standing in the front door. You have to go in and walk around. There may even be rooms that are hidden from the naked eye. But good things come to those who seek for them. (Jeremiah 29:11-13)j

3. Determination to move forward. Growing is never and easy process whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually. I remember those growing pains in my legs. The aches that came simply because I was getting taller. (Now the pain is from growing older!) I also remember what it was like to wrestle with my feelings whether they were of sadness, love-sickness, or anger. I don't respond to these emotions the same way I did when I was a child. In your spiritual life, you will be challenged, most notably by the enemy. He will hurl darts and try to take you out before you reach a higher plain of growth. You have to stay determined. Keep singing the song, "I have decided to follow Jesus...no turning back, no turning back."

4. There is a destination. You will never reach the top of a mountain until you first take a look at the peak. Every chance you get, remind yourself of your destination. It is so easy. I mean extremely easy to lose sight of our destination in our busy world and sinful culture. There is a finish line. Think about it often and it will keep your feet moving forward and your heart pounding!