Higher Ground

Unusually today I was awoken by fog horns in the distance. Unusual as I live a little inland. Unusual for this time of year as well. But the sound of ship fog horns drifted over my sleepy suburb nonetheless. Opening my blinds I saw the fog lying lightly over the houses. The visibility ground level was poor. Trees made strange shadowy forms in the distance. Roads seem to vanish. But from my balcony I could see clear blue sky. I could see the tops of houses peering crisply out the top of the fog. From my higher perspective, clarity and visibility was good. I could see into the distance.

Sometimes we’re on the ground level in life. Dimly peering down the road of life, searching for bearings and guidance. Wanting clarity and to be out of the fog. Barely able to see even our hand in front of us. But sometimes all that is required to get to higher ground. To see life how God sees it. To see ourselves as God sees us.

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 heaven’s table land,
A higher plane than I have found;

My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where those abound,
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground.

(Jonathan Oatman)

“He makes my feet like hinds’ feet, And sets me upon my high places.” (Psalm 18:33)