Wednesday 1 October 2008

Higher Ground ??

There is an old hymn titled "Higher Ground". Some of the words are;

I'm pressing on the upward way. New heights I'm gaining everyday:
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.

This hymn has been bothering Papa's heart lately. As I interact with my Savior am I seeking higher ground? When I interact with my best friend mama do I seek "higher ground" or am I making sure that I am in control and will not give? Jesus, please help papa to seek "higher ground"!

I watch as fellow Christians are exchanging harsh words, saying hurting words and wonder if I am guilty of the same? I know I have been there - guilty. Lord, help me to trust your leading in my life and "plant my feet on higher ground"

23 comments:

rk said...

I wonder about this too Papa. Am I representing Him well? Am I on His ground? I want to be a good kid of His! So glad we do not have to be perfect in the journey or I'd be in big trouble!

xoxox,
Roxx

Indian Lake Papa said...

Roxx - Papa is in tears right now - this is a real challenge to papa. When I walk into a room, a meeting, SS Class - when people see me, do they smile? Or do they sit up on edge, waiting for some harsh words/criticism?? Oh Roxx, we need to be so careful of our words. As you said; "I want to be on His ground!"

Tess Kincaid said...

Hello there! You certainly did not crash my party, it was "come one and all". Nice to meet you and hope you had a lovely time. Hope to see you again sometime soon!

Willow x

Anonymous said...

Love this song Papa. Jake and I were having a discussion along these lines a few weeks back. It's kept me thinking ever since.

I love you! Mama too!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Willow - it was an honor to be a guest at your exquisite ball - wow! And thank you for the recognition as the one who had the best flair when dipping their partner - :o) ! Have a great day and always seek the higher ground.

Brandy - thanks for stopping by - its been awhile. Higher Ground is a great hymn for all Christians to take to heart!

Unknown said...

mmm- good thoughts. great question.

sometimes i am guilty of just "remaining" instead of "regaining". choosing to stay where i am and not actively reaching for something more, higher. it is a daily choice and takes discipline and commitment. i am still leaning that too.

Robin said...

I too have been guilty... in more than one area of my life.

Pray for me that I learn to hold HIS hand as we got to higher ground.

Makes me think of the book - Hinds Feet on High Places. Much Afraid was my name before too.

Papa, I'd be thrilled to walk in your presence. You are such an inspiration - thanks for all you share even the challenges!

Keep praying for little Suzanne. I haven't heard from her mom yet, but surgery was supposed to have started at 12:30 today... I will update in the comments section of my blog when I hear more later tonight.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Tam - i think seeking higher ground is obviously an active step - if we don't do that we can hinder our spiritual growth - and the growth of others. We need to do more of that "regaining" you mentioned.

Robin - have been praying today - God is in control!

Anonymous said...

The ground I am standing on I share with my neighbor. We can interact with love or hate. It is far better to chose love, a rule I sometimes don't follow.

There is nothing we can do to change how we acted yesterday, where we may have hurt another. All we can do is act in a manner today to try and turn their frown into a smile.

Yesterday is gone, it can't be re-lived. All we can do is to take a step up to that higher ground today.

CrossView said...

A friend of mine in South Africa says it like this;
"God, save us from your children."

But I have faith that your lovely wife will let you know if you get out of hand. And I have faith that God will let you know, too! =P

Anonymous said...

You are SO SO SO my Papa!
I have been at this exact place. I had forgotten this hymn..now its floating through my heart..I love it. Just posted something to this same affect..GOd is working on both our hearts...in the same direction...High Ground! love you

Indian Lake Papa said...

ED - I agree, we need to choose love, what we did wrong yesterday is gone, we may mend some fences, but the memories are still there - and the damage was done.

Crossview - Oh my! mama has her hands full! She can really get on my case when I need it!

Darla - keep striving for higher ground - never stay put!!

Nana Trish is Living the Dream said...

Papa, you always have such words of wisdom. I can remember singing this song years ago and not really understanding it. Now that I've been around the block a few zillion times I understand. He's the one that brings us up to the place we need to be. Far above all the bickering and fussing. It's easy to get caught up in all the negativity. I have never ever seen so many people ready to pounce on another over some of the smallest things. I pray the Lord will keep me in His hand and focus on His love and peace.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Nana - thank you for your nice words. Mama and I hope that the life experiences and our walk with our Savior can be of help to others. We try to share from our hearts.

Anonymous said...

Hi Papa, It's been a while since I dropped by, and I'm really glad I did today. This is such a good reminder to keep on looking to grow with God, to give our all. I really liked this, thank you.
God bless, Birgit.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Birgit - thanks for stopping by! I find as I grow spiritually the more I need to keep seeking that higher ground.

Tess Kincaid said...

Sigh. Well, the magic has worn off, but I certainly will never forget that marvelous moonlit carriage ride. You were quite the gentleman and quite the dancer, too, I must say. Those dips made my head spin!

Willow x

Indian Lake Papa said...

Thanks Willow - I enjoyed the evening - The Ball was spectacular. This morning my groomsman found a glass slipper in the carriage. In your rush to return to the ball after our carriage ride you must have lost it! I shall gladly return it.

Anonymous said...

I loved this song!

My prayer, my heart is for higher ground and yet so much of this earth gets in the way; I seem to keep my feet firmly planted here. I do desire more and to walk in His love toward all.

This was convicting, in a good way...Thanks, Papa!

Anonymous said...

You're just awesome. I wish I had a dad and my kids had a granddad with your heart and your love. I can feel it in your words. Honestly. Thank you.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Michelle - this song is very convicting - but a good challenge for us.

Rachel - consider yourself adopted! lol However, there won't be much in the Will.

Char said...

I love this hymn. For me, "higher ground" is choosing to praise when I don't feel like it. It always changes my perspective.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Char - I like that - praising when we don't feel like it! Always striving for higher ground!