Higher Ground

What does it take to move to higher ground in one’s spiritual life?  Moving to higher ground is synonymous with spiritual growth.  Let me ask it another way.  How do we make sure that we are living our lives worthy of the Lord by bearing fruit?  The story of King Josiah gives us great principles growth. 

The record of King Josiah’s life is found in 2 Kings, chapters 22-23.  The text reveals four things about Josiah that enabled God to take him and Judah to higher ground. 

1. Openness to the voice of God (2 Kings 22:11A).  We are told that after the book of the Law was read Josiah heard…He was sensitive to the voice of god.

2. Brokenness before the throne of God (2 Kings 22:11b; 19) The great paradox of the kingdom is to go higher you must go lower. 

3. Willingness to do the will of God (2 Kings 22-23).  The reforms that Josiah brought to Judah demonstrate a man who was willing to do God’s will.

4. Single-mindedness to seek the face of God (2 Kings 23:25). Josiah tuned to the Lord with al his heart, soul, and might.  

God will move to higher ground those who are humble before his throne, open to his voice, obedient to his will, and passionate about his presence.    

“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.”