For All Seasons - Higher Lyrics

For All Seasons - Higher (Lyric Video)

Higher Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

For All Seasons' song "Higher," released with a lyric video on July 7, 2017, is a worship anthem centered on the transcendence and sovereignty of God. The opening lines immediately establish God as the ultimate source and uncreated being, asserting His unwavering control even when facing overwhelming challenges ("tide's rising") or when confusion arises from worldly perspectives ("lies of this life"). This sets a foundation of divine stability in the midst of human vulnerability and doubt.

The song's pre-chorus serves as a personal plea and declaration of trust. The singer asks God to be their "guiding light" particularly when faced with clear choices or difficult decisions ("when things are black and white"). This section emphasizes a commitment to place faith not in circumstances or human understanding, but squarely in God's inherent nature and character ("I'll trust in who You are"). It highlights the journey of reliance on divine wisdom rather than personal insight.

The core message of the song is powerfully conveyed in the recurring chorus: "Your ways are higher, Your ways are higher / Than all of my ways, far beyond what I can see." This central theme underscores the vast difference between God's perspective, plans, and understanding and those of humanity. It is an acknowledgment of God's infinite wisdom and His ability to see and orchestrate beyond the limited scope of human vision. The repetition reinforces this truth, positioning it as the anchor of faith.

The second verse expands on how God reveals Himself and His persistent presence. It speaks to recognizing the divine ("You have made Yourself known") through faith, enabling sight of the "invisible" even in the most difficult times ("on the darkest of days"). This verse also offers comfort in God's omnipresence and unfailing faithfulness, stating that He will go anywhere and nothing is beyond His reach. Importantly, it highlights God's constant presence and unwavering love, even when the individual makes mistakes or drifts away, affirming that "You never leave me."

Collectively, the lyrics create a narrative of human frailty and limited understanding contrasted with God's infinite power, wisdom, and steadfast love. The song is a declaration of surrender to a greater plan and a higher power, finding peace and guidance in the knowledge that God's ways, though often incomprehensible to humans, are ultimately superior and trustworthy. The structure, with its repeating pre-chorus and chorus, builds a strong sense of affirmation and devotion, suitable for corporate worship or personal reflection. The bridge reiterates the plea for guidance and the commitment to trust, emphasizing the personal journey of faith.

This theme resonates deeply with various scriptural passages. The idea of God's uncreated nature aligns with descriptions like "Alpha and Omega" (Revelation 22:13) and "before all things" (Colossians 1:17). God's control and steady hand echo verses about His sovereignty over all things (Psalm 103:19, Proverbs 16:9). The central message that God's ways are higher is a direct echo of Isaiah 55:8-9, which states, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." The concept of seeing the invisible through faith on dark days connects with Hebrews 11:1 ("faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see") and the idea that God is light in darkness (John 1:5). His promise never to leave or forsake (Hebrews 13:5) is reflected in the lyrics about Him never leaving, even after mistakes. The song thus serves as a contemporary expression of foundational biblical truths about God's nature and the call to trust in Him completely.