Higher Ground (Lord lift me up) Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Higher Ground (Lord lift me up) is a powerful Christian hymn written by Johnson Oatman in the early 1900s. The song is a prayer asking God to lift us up and plant our feet on higher ground. It has a timeless message that resonates with Christians of all ages, and its lyrics have been translated into multiple languages, making it a beloved hymn across the globe.
The Inspiration and Story Behind the Song
Johnson Oatman was an American hymn writer and music composer who wrote over 5,000 hymns in his lifetime. He was born on April 21, 1856, in Lumberton, New Jersey, and was the son of a local merchant. Oatman became a Christian at a young age and felt called to ministry. He attended the Methodist Episcopal Church and later became a pastor.
Oatman's inspiration for writing Higher Ground (Lord lift me up) came from a sermon he heard one Sunday morning. The pastor preached on the subject of spiritual growth and challenged the congregation to strive for higher ground in their Christian walk. This sermon deeply impacted Oatman, and he began to reflect on his own spiritual journey. He realized that he needed God's help to lift him up and plant his feet on higher ground.
As Oatman meditated on this idea, he began to write the lyrics to Higher Ground. He wrote the song as a prayer, asking God to lift him up and help him overcome the challenges of life. The song became an instant hit, and it has remained a favorite of Christians worldwide for over a century.
Meaning of the Song
Higher Ground (Lord lift me up) is a song that speaks to the heart of every Christian. It is a reminder that we are all on a journey towards spiritual growth and that we need God's help to reach our destination. The song is a call to action, asking us to strive for higher ground in our Christian walk.
The first verse of the song sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics. It speaks of pressing on the upward way and gaining new heights every day. This is a metaphor for spiritual growth and the challenges that come with it. The verse ends with a prayer asking God to plant our feet on higher ground, which means to give us the strength and courage to continue moving forward in our spiritual journey.
The chorus of the song repeats the prayer from the first verse, asking God to lift us up and let us stand on Heaven's table land. This is a reference to the ultimate destination of our spiritual journey, which is Heaven. The chorus reminds us that we are not alone in our journey and that God is always with us, helping us to reach our destination.
The second verse of the song speaks to the challenges that we face on our journey towards higher ground. It acknowledges that doubts and fears can arise, but our aim should always be towards higher ground. The verse ends with a declaration of faith, saying that we have caught the joyful sound of the song of saints on higher ground. This means that we are not alone in our journey, and we can draw strength from the faith of those who have gone before us.
The third verse of the song is a call to action. It speaks of wanting to live above the world and the temptations that come with it. The verse acknowledges that Satan's darts will be hurled at us, but our faith can overcome them. The verse ends with a declaration of faith, saying that we have caught a gleam of glory bright, which means that we have seen a glimpse of the glory of God and our ultimate destination.
Bible Verses Referenced in the Song
Higher Ground (Lord lift me up) is a song that is deeply rooted in the Bible. The lyrics of the song are based on biblical principles, and many verses from the Bible can be used to support its message. Here are some Bible verses referenced in the song:
Psalm 18:33 - "He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights."
Isaiah 40:31 - "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Philippians 3:14 - "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
1 Corinthians 15:57 - "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Practical Application of the Song to Christian Living
Higher Ground (Lord lift me up) is a song that has a practical application to Christian living. It is a call to action, asking us to strive for higher ground in our Christian walk. Here are some practical ways that we can apply the message of the song to our lives:
1. Pray for God's help - The song is a prayer asking God to lift us up and plant our feet on higher ground. We should make this prayer a part of our daily routine and ask God to help us grow spiritually.
2. Strive for spiritual growth - The song speaks of pressing on the upward way and gaining new heights every day. We should make spiritual growth a priority in our lives and strive to become more like Christ.
3. Overcome doubts and fears - The song acknowledges that doubts and fears can arise on our journey towards higher ground. We should overcome these challenges by putting our faith in God and trusting in His promises.
4. Draw strength from the faith of others - The song speaks of the song of saints on higher ground. We should draw strength from the faith of those who have gone before us and use their examples as inspiration for our own spiritual journey.
In conclusion, Higher Ground (Lord lift me up) is a powerful Christian hymn that speaks to the heart of every believer. Its timeless message of spiritual growth and the need for God's help resonates with Christians of all ages. The song is a call to action, asking us to strive for higher ground in our Christian walk. By praying for God's help, striving for spiritual growth, overcoming doubts and fears, and drawing strength from the faith of others, we can apply the message of the song to our lives and become more like Christ.
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