Higher Ground

When my son was very small, he and I made quite a trip up the side of a mountain which is called Maryland Heights. The peak of the mountain looks over a tiny village called Harpers Ferry, WV. Two rivers that were very important in the founding of our nation converge at this site; the Shenandoah and the Potomac.


Climbing the mountain took several hours. It was no easy feat for casual climbers and it took concentration, will power and endurance. During devotions this morning I was led to a hymn I used to sing during my childhood. I examined the words carefully in the context of my past, the present and what the unknown future may hold. It is my decision to stop or keep climbing deciding I have gone far enough; the view from my present position is sufficient; I desire to see no more. Had my son and I decided to stop mid mountain we would have missed what President Jefferson said was a view compared to a trip across the Atlantic Ocean!


In our mountain trail experiences, when we feel like "this is good enough", we must encourage ourselves to continue on, press on, the view from the heavens will be well worth the effort. Which will it be?


HIGHER GROUND
I'm pressing on the upward way,
New heights I'm gaining every day;
Still praying as I onward bound,
"Lord, plant my feet on higher ground."


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.


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


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.


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

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.


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


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.


Hymn by ~ Johnson Oatman, Jr. 1856-1922 Charles H. Gabriel 1856-1932