Pressing Onward: The Meaning Behind Our Foundation Song, “Higher Ground”

At the heart of every great mission is a melody that drives it forward. For us, that guiding melody is our adopted foundation song, “Higher Ground”—the timeless 1898 hymn written by Johnson Oatman Jr.

More than just a song, these verses serve as our ultimate slogan and spiritual compass. They reflect our collective desire to never settle, to rise above life’s challenges, and to continuously strive for spiritual, moral, and personal growth.

Here is a closer look at the profound journey of faith and perseverance woven into the verses of our foundation anthem.

Rising Above Doubts and Earthly Turmoil

The world is often filled with noise, distractions, and hardships. Yet, as the song beautifully reminds us, we are called to look upward:

“My heart has no desire to stay where doubts arise and fears dismay…”

It is easy to get caught up in the anxieties of everyday life, but our goal is to rise “beyond the mist” and live “above earth’s turmoil.” True peace and clarity are found when we elevate our perspective and fix our eyes on a higher purpose.

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Progress is an everyday commitment. The opening words of the hymn set a powerful tone for our daily walk: “I’m pressing on the upward way, new heights I’m gaining every day.”

Achieving new heights requires unwavering faith. We pray to be lifted up to a “Heaven’s table land”—a solid, elevated plane of security, grace, and joy that surpasses anything the world can offer.

Climbing with Our Guide

Perhaps the most humbling reminder in our anthem is that we cannot make this journey alone. The final verse brings our dependence on divine guidance into beautiful focus:

“Lord, lead me up the mountain side, I dare not climb without my Guide…”

We do not scale life’s highest peaks through our own strength. We rely on our Guide to lead the way, knowing that when we finally reach our destination, we will look back with a profoundly grateful heart.

The Anthem in Full: Higher Ground

(Key: Eb | Lyricist: Johnson Oatman Jr., 1898)

Verse 1

I’m pressing on the upward way,

New heights I’m gaining every day;

Still praying as I’m upward bound,

“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground!”

Chorus

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!

Verse 2

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.

Verse 3

Beyond the mist I fain would rise,

To rest beneath unclouded skies.

Above earth’s turmoil peace is found,

By those who dwell on higher ground.

Verse 4

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.

Verse 5

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, plant my feet on higher ground!”

Verse 6

Lord, lead me up the mountainside,

I dare not climb without my Guide;

And, heaven gained, I’ll gaze around,

With a grateful heart from higher ground!

Join Us on the Upward Way

As a foundation family, let this song be your daily prayer and motivation. Let us keep pressing forward, gaining new heights, and supporting one another as we climb together toward higher ground.

What does “Higher Ground” mean to you in your daily life? Share your thoughts and reflections in the comments below!