“O God, we have heard with our ears,
our fathers have told us,
what deeds you performed in their days,
in the days of old:
you with your own hand drove out the nations,
but them you planted;
you afflicted the peoples,
but them you set free;
for not by their own sword did they win the land,
nor did their own arm save them,
but your right hand and your arm,
and the light of your face,
for you delighted in them.
You are my King, O God;
ordain salvation for Jacob!
Through you we push down our foes;
through your name we tread down those who rise up against us.
For not in my bow do I trust,
nor can my sword save me.
But you have saved us from our foes
and have put to shame those who hate us.
In God we have boasted continually,
and we will give thanks to your name forever. ” Psalm 44:1-8
“The Lord said to Abram.., ‘Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward, for all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever… Arise, walk through the length and the breadth of the land, for I will give it to you.'” Genesis 13:14-15,17
Remembering God’s past help urged His people to press on His upward way. The psalmist’s recounting translated to present pushing down of foes, victories over fear and doubt. The King’s arm, the light of His face, were still near and working and cause for boast.
The Lord still has land for us to take: victory over ingrained sin, revamping harmful habits to healthy, helpful ones, new horizons for ministry, fruitful utility of the gifts and resources entrusted to us. Have we taken stock of the breadth of all He would do in our lives if He had full sway? Would we lift our eyes to behold the possibilities of healing, transformation, renewed strength, wider spiritual influence, then trust Him? (Isaiah 40:28-31; Jeremiah 29:11)
How will we go about winning His promised places of uplifting relationships, soul peace, bounty in work and service? What needs to change in our mindset? What discontent or complaint need be renounced so we readily recall His past faithfulnesses with thanksgiving? Will we trust our own smart efforts and worldly methods to succeed, or will we look to God’s? (Psalm 20:7; Zechariah 4:6; Romans 12:1-2)
“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.
My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Tho’ some may dwell where these abound,
My pray’r, 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 Heav’n I’ve found,
Lord, lead me on to higher ground.
Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith, on Heaven’s table land;
A higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.” ~Johnson Oatman, Jr. (1898)
Lord, help me take the land of Your good will by daily surrender and steady obedience.
As the rain and snow 