Thursday, May 24, 2012

Higher Ground



The gorgeous, glowing setting sun gave this tree, damaged from last year's storm, a golden hue. The mockingbird perched atop it was an added bonus! 

Don't we all wish for "higher ground" at times . . . above all "the stuff" of life . . . soaking in the Son's golden rays?  It's a healthy part of our journey toward Christian maturity. Many years ago, Johnson Oatman, born in 1856, must have had similar desires when he wrote the hymn "Higher Ground." For those of you not familiar with those words, here they are: 

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." 

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.

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. 

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, lead me on to higher ground." 

Chorus: 
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. 



11 comments:

Eggs In My Pocket said...

This has always been a favorite of mine during our church time. Love your words and the photo with this.

Ginny Hartzler said...

You have captured a golden image and paired it with a lovely hymn. The things you post never fail to amaze me.

Dorothy said...

In my mind's eye, these old hymns take me back to my childhood. I see the little white church out in the country, with two doors, carbide lights, wooden pews that stained white shirts when men perspired on a hot summer day, and the path that led to the spring. I love all the old hymns and I can faintly hear the elderly man who led the singing as his voice rang out so clear in that quiet place.

Anonymous said...

I do remember this hymn and this is a great photo to accompany it. Wishing you and yours a blessed weekend.

S. Etole said...

I'm not well acquainted with this hymn. Great pairing with your photo.

Karin said...

We still sing this beautiful hymns in our Singspiration times! Loved it! Thanks so much!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi There, I love that old hymn. It has always been a favorite in my family. We used to sing all of the old hymns... Such great memories...

I love being on 'higher ground'... Guess that is why I love being on the top of a mountain. Makes me feel closer to God.

Great photo.
Hugs,
Betsy

Kathy said...

A lovely hymn, and the photo is a wonderful illustration.

Connie said...

I like that photo. Very pretty. I like the hymn too. I think we all would like to be on higher ground.

Anneliese said...

This song takes me back to Sunday School days... but the words probably have more meaning today.

Anonymous said...

Love the pic - and the humility that it is only with 'help' that we can reach those higher grounds
Andie