Johnson Oatman - I'm Pressing On the Upward Way | Lord Lift me up Lyrics
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.
Video
I'm Pressing On The Upward Way (Higher Ground) - Lor
Meaning & Inspiration
The enduring hymn, "I'm Pressing On The Upward Way," often known as "Higher Ground," has been given renewed life through its 2019 release, reminding us that while musical arrangements may evolve, the profound spiritual aspirations embedded in classic gospel texts remain timeless. Though this specific recording emerged recently, the song itself originated from the prolific pen of Johnson Oatman Jr. in the late 19th century, a period rich with hymns designed to stir the soul towards deeper faith and commitment. Oatman, a Methodist minister and hymn writer, crafted verses that directly addressed the believer’s journey, a testament to his understanding of the human spirit’s longing for transcendence and divine connection. The song's essence lies in its unwavering call to spiritual advancement, a continuous climb towards a more sanctified and Christ-like existence, acknowledging that true growth is not static but a dynamic process.
The narrative of "Higher Ground" commences with a declaration of active spiritual pursuit, a personal resolve to "press on the upward way" and gain "new heights... every day." This opening immediately sets a tone of diligence and intentionality, mirroring the apostle Paul’s exhortation in Philippians 3:14, "I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." It speaks to the daily discipline of prayer and the commitment to growth, not merely as an abstract idea but as a tangible, moment-by-moment effort. The plea to the Lord to "plant my feet on higher ground" acknowledges that while personal effort is vital, ultimate spiritual elevation is a divine work, a grace-filled lifting by God Himself. This dependency on God's intervention is further solidified in the second stanza, where the soul asks to be lifted "by faith on Canaan’s tableland." Canaan here serves as a powerful biblical metaphor, not just for a geographical place, but for a spiritual promised land – a state of rest, abundance, and intimate fellowship with God, attained not through human merit but "by faith" (Hebrews 11:1). It signifies a desire for a spiritual plane beyond one's current understanding or experience, a continuous journey into the deeper things of God, much like the Israelites journeyed from slavery to freedom, then into the land of promise.
The hymn then courageously addresses the spiritual battles faced in the journey. The third stanza expresses a firm refusal to linger "where doubts arise and fears dismay," articulating a desire to transcend the spiritual anxieties that plague many. This resonates deeply with Scripture's call to cast aside fear, as seen in Isaiah 41:10: "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God." It emphasizes that while such struggles are common, the believer’s aim should be higher than dwelling in uncertainty, seeking instead the peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). Moving further, the fourth stanza confronts the realities of spiritual warfare, expressing a longing to "live above the world, though Satan’s darts at me are hurled." This imagery directly evokes Ephesians 6:16, which speaks of the "flaming darts of the evil one," and underscores the need for divine protection and a heavenly mindset. The declaration that "faith has caught the joyful sound, The song of saints on higher ground" points to the victory inherent in faith and the fellowship of believers, both earthly and heavenly, who have embraced this upward call. It is a reminder that the path to spiritual elevation is not solitary, but shared with the communion of saints, offering a glimpse into the glory awaiting those who persevere.
Finally, the hymn culminates in an ultimate aspiration to "scale the utmost height and catch a gleam of glory bright," signifying a profound desire for ultimate communion with God and a taste of His eternal presence. This yearning for glory is a core aspect of Christian hope, as Romans 8:18 affirms: "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Despite this lofty ambition, the final line circles back to the humility of prayer: "But still I’ll pray till rest I’ve found, Lord, lead me on to higher ground." This beautifully illustrates the lifelong nature of the spiritual journey, a continuous reliance on divine guidance and persistent prayer until the soul finds its ultimate rest in God. It echoes the psalmist's trust in God's leadership ("He leads me beside still waters," Psalm 23:2) and the promise of a Sabbath rest that remains for the people of God (Hebrews 4:9). "Higher Ground" is more than a song; it is a spiritual manifesto, a timeless prayer for every soul striving to walk closer with God, reminding us that our journey is always one of pressing onward and upward, empowered and led by the Lord Himself.