Ever wake up singing something you haven’t thought of in years? One recent morning I opened my eyes and this old (1898) hymn was rolling through my mind. I couldn’t remember all the words so I looked them up. Don’t mind my commentary in italics.
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.
Notice the “every day.” Life is a day-by-day journey. It requires some pressing on. I’ve never before appreciated this truth as I do now! This is the day the Lord has made. Today. Live it for Him. We will choose to rejoice and be glad in it.
(Refrain)
Lord, lift me up and let me stand, by faith on heaven’s table land.
A higher plane than I have found, Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
“Lord, lift me up.” You, LORD, do the lifting. Boot straps? No way. I’ve got nothing to offer. Can’t pull myself up. Some trust in medical procedures, some in drugs and supplements, but I trust in the Name of the LORD my God.
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 remember what He said to me in the beginning: You’ll not be fighting cancer; you’ll be fighting fear. And then later down the road: You’re afraid of all the wrong things. Yes, LORD, my aim is doubts-done, fear-free 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.
Psalm 91, I’ll not be afraid of the terror by night or of the arrow that flies by day. Satan hurls darts but Christ Jesus wears the Victor’s crown and Christ Jesus lives in me!
I want to scale the utmost height and catch a gleam of glory bright,
But still I pray ’till heaven I’ve found, Lord plant my feet on higher ground.
Still we pray . . . praying on and on together . . . praying for each other, confident that He has heard, knowing that He knows and assured that He will deliver!
Praising the LORD for the ability to breathe more easily and for a good report from the last X-ray that there has been no new growth in the lung. Asking for continued help and full healing of the tailbone and left hip and with that, the ability to bend, squat, push, pull and walk and walk and walk! Thank you again for all the continued prayer and fasting support!
Wow, what a hymn! I needed every line of it too! Of course I did not wake up singing it, as I have never heard it before! But thank you for posting it, with truthful, excellent, and most relevant teaching! Praising God in the great and small today! Thankful to hear there has been no growth! Praying that His JOY and FAITH in you exceeds all earthly doubts and fears! satan has NO HOLD on you, my dear! Run your (already won) race! We run with you…step by step…day by day! For His glory! Love you, my precious Kristen!
I love how Scripture tells us He sings over us. Waking up with a song in one’s heart is so exciting, yet so humbling.
The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17 NIV
I’m continuing to hold you and your family up in prayer. Our Bible Study group specifically prayed for you by name.
Prayerfully,
Hi Honey–I think that hymn was imprinted in your mind very early on as it was in mine. Granny Shunk used to sing those words when she was ironing. When I was very tiny, I thought it was all about the “heights” of freshly-sprinkled clothes and linens that were waiting to be free of wrinkles. Seems like she kept on going (“I’m pressing on the upward way; new heights I’m gaining every day…”) Just pressing and pressing til her more intricate items were pressed and I was left with Daddy’s handkerchiefs and pillow cases. Momma couldn’t do housework without singing hymns.
Kristen,
I remember that song! “Keep Pressing!” That is the personal Word I keep hearing in my spirit for over a year now. I’ve heard “Press through for breakthrough”, “Press in to My Presence”, “Press in for victory”, “Press in to My Word” especially when I didn’t have understanding. And just this week I heard that scripture in Galatians 6:9 in a very personal way (in my spirit): “Don’t give up, Donna. Don’t grow weary. A Harvest is coming. Keep pressing in” It was so personal, I wrote it on the top of my big November Calendar. So now I give it to you Kristen: A HARVEST IS COMING! KEEP PRESSING. KEEP SOWING TO THE SPIRIT, YOU WILL REAP A HARVEST, KRISTEN
Seconding, Nancy! Kristen…further still…higher ground…YOU, go, girl! When you said no boot straps…nothing to offer, I can’t tell you how that resonates with me and, I am certain, so many others. I read these devotions…never knowing who will be posting on any particular day…but smiling today that it was YOU…to know the LORD sent those words to you, so you could send them to us and minister to our needs. Love you, sweet sister! PRAYING for all that you ask…ASKING for all that you pray…in His name and for His will, Deborah
Deborah,
So good to hear from you. You are on my mind so much of the time and on my regular prayer list. I pray for you almost every day. I am so encouraged by your faithfulness and courage. You are a terrific example of looking up and choosing joy. As I pray, I expect great things from our Mighty God who loves you dearly. Yours has been such a long journey. Thank you for modeling the way of perseverance. Love, Kristen
Kristen,
I only met you a couple of days ago, and I am so glad that our paths have crossed (a God thing). You are at the top of my prayer list, and I am making myself available to you any time, day or night. I’ve been in your shoes, Kristen. I understand the pain and suffering, but God…the Miracle-worker is able. He is able, Kristen, so continue to think on good things. God is able. He told the woman with the issue of blood that it was her faith that made her whole. Reach out and touch God with your faith.
Blessings to you.
As I’m reading, the song playing in the background is, “It’s Your breathe in our lung, so we pour out our praise, we pour out our praise to You only!
And all the earth will shout your praise, our hearts will cry, these bones will sing – Great are you Lord!”
Keep bragging, praising, crying, shouting, pouring…
God is good – Love you, sister!