Lyrics
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 Canaan’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 these 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 rest I’ve found,
Lord, lead me on to higher ground.
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Meaning & Inspiration
Higher Ground portrays Christian growth as a steady upward calling sustained by prayer and faith. Each verse names something the singer seeks to leave behind: doubt, fear, worldly attachment, and spiritual opposition. The recurring plea for God to plant the singer’s feet on higher ground makes clear that progress is not treated as personal achievement. It depends on divine guidance, stability, and the desire to remain faithful while pressing toward a fuller vision of glory.
The hymn’s imagery aligns naturally with Paul’s description of pressing toward the goal of God’s upward call in Christ. Its reference to Satan’s darts also echoes the shield of faith in Ephesians, placing perseverance within the language of spiritual conflict. Canaan’s tableland functions as a poetic picture of secure and elevated fellowship with God rather than a claim of effortless living. Across the verses and refrain, aspiration is joined to humility: the singer aims higher, yet continues to pray for the Lord to lift, establish, and lead.
Related Scripture
- Philippians 3:14 Paul presses toward the goal of God’s upward call in Christ.
- Ephesians 6:16 The shield of faith extinguishes the evil one’s flaming darts.