PRESSING ON TO HIGHER GROUND!

Philippians 3:12-14 AMPC

Not that I have now attained [this ideal], or have already been made perfect, but I press on to lay hold of (grasp) and make my own, that for which Christ Jesus (the Messiah) has laid hold of me and made me His own. [13] I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, [14] I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.

 

Pressing, pushing, and marching forward regardless of the obstacles to forge ahead and rise from wherever we are to where we ought to be.

The phrase "pressing on to higher ground" combines two powerful concepts that together convey a message of determined spiritual and moral advancement. This expression has deep roots in Christian spirituality and represents the persistent pursuit of spiritual elevation despite challenges and setbacks.

Pressing onto higher ground is striving for spiritual growth and maturity. We're not meant to remain in the same place spiritually—we’re must always be moving forward, growing closer to God, and aiming for a deeper, more meaningful relationship with Him.

Pressing on fundamentally means to continue doing something in a determined way, especially when facing hardships or setbacks. It involves moving forward with perseverance and not allowing problems or difficulties to delay progress. The phrase emphasizes determination, perseverance, and a willingness to overcome hurdles in the pursuit of a goal.

In spiritual contexts, "pressing on" reflects the biblical principle found in our text, where the Apostle Paul speaks of pressing "toward the goal to win the prize of God's heavenly calling in Christ Jesus". This represents a relentless pursuit of spiritual goals, where believers focus on eternal rewards rather than earthly gains by seeking a better life or purpose, aiming for a better version of oneself—leaving behind old habits, fears, or limitations and stepping into the new things God has for us.

Isaiah 43:18 says God is always doing something new and He wants us too to always strive to do something new.

For us to press to higher ground, it means we are agitated for a change and are unhappy and unsatisfied with our present level and are therefore restless to move on and higher. Higher ground operates on multiple levels of meaning. It refers to an area of land that is higher than the surrounding area. Metaphorically, it represents a better, more moral, or more powerful position in life. While spiritually, it symbolises the pursuit of spiritual elevation, moral integrity, and closeness to God. It reflects the believer's desire to rise above worldly concerns and temptations, striving for a life that aligns with God's will and purpose. And learning to trust God for elevation through His presence, power, and purpose—believing that He has greater things ahead.

Pressing on to higher ground means there is fire in our belly for that change that would effectively push us to keep pressing.

The Christian hymn "Higher Ground" written by Johnson Oatman Jr. in the late 19th century begins with the opening lines:

"I am 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'.

This hymn expresses the yearning for heavenly life and spiritual elevations.

This is the hunger for “more” or for something “new” and deeper, should make us like the deer in Psalm 42:1-2 that desire to press higher but only through the word and the Spirit.

Spiritual achievement and growth are not achieved by our own strength but through faith in God's power and grace. As expressed in the hymn's chorus: "Lord, lift me up and let me stand, by faith, on Heaven's tableland", it acknowledges that divine assistance is essential for reaching higher spiritual planes.

Spiritual growth is the process of becoming more like Christ in your thoughts, actions, and character. It’s a journey of deepening your relationship with God and allowing His Spirit to transform you from the inside out by spending time in prayer, Bible study, and worship to understand who God is.

PRAYER: Lord, God, thank you for never leaving me the same, help me to grow by your spirit as I learn to know you more and grow in you more in Jesus’ name. Amen.

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/womenoflight/episodes/PRESSING-ON-TO-HIGHER-GROUND-e34fd46

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WE APPRECIATE YOUR GENEROUSITY AND SUPPORT.

SHALOM

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