Today, we begin our exhortation by examining what it means to step unto Higher Ground. It signifies to gain in worth or stature (1 Chron. 17:14, Eze. 36:11), to climb (2 Sam. 7:10, Jer. 17:8, Psm. 92:13), or to grow in height (Jer. 18:9, Jer. 24:6, Jer. 31:28). It also means to have one’s coast enlarged or to have a change in status for the better.
Anyone who has ascended to higher ground has risen above regular living norms to become extraordinary. Such a person, like David, may be called a remarkable achiever who has achieved numerous unusual achievements (1 Sam. 17:50). When you come unto higher ground, you would have clearly outpaced your adversary bringing them to the place of total exhaustion as they pursue after you but to no avail. The higher ground is the place of absolute safety and security where there is absolutely no fear of adversaries (1Kgs. 5:4).
Dwelling on higher ground may also be likened to an inner court experience by which one constantly encounter the Most High in the fullness of His majestic splendour and beauty as one would in the Holy of Holies. It implies a much deeper encounter with the LORD, not in any way comparable to the shallow or superficial experience characteristic of the outer court.
There is surely a higher dimension of everything in God; a higher dimension of His grace, a higher dimension of His favour, a higher dimension of his power, a higher dimension of His glory, a higher dimension of His blessings and a higher dimension of His purity or perfection.
As we go through the year, we must as a matter of fact be ready to put aside all manners of superficial living; and as the Psalmist says, pant after God with every fibre of our being.
It is imperative to point out that stepping unto Higher Ground is often not a sudden flight. Discipline, doggedness and sometimes ruggedness are often required. Patience and perseverance often constitute very vital ingredients in the making of kingdom heroes. Rightly said by Peter, “you have need of patience.”
And like the woman who had the issue of blood or the Centurion who encountered the LORD, there is a place for dogged faith; the kind of faith that derives its motivation from insights and revelations uncommon to man.
Some will gain higher ground through the wilderness situation God will make them go through. God’s training school for gaining higher ground may not be pleasant, but the results are always perfect. Character and virtues are usually earned when we submit ourselves to the process. Thus God would have to take us through the process before the heights are attained.
Concerning Jesus, we are told that he had to learn obedience through the things which he suffered (Heb. 5:5-8). It implies therefore that God would sometimes have to stretch our desire for the higher ground through some kind of not-too-pleasant-experience. But in the end, what would be most important is that the vision He had written concerning our lives and respective destinies come through to His praise and glory.
Let us not be obstinate this new year; instead, let us surrender ourselves completely to Him, trusting that God is looking out for our best interests. Regardless of the method the LORD has planned for our lifting, let us be prepared.
