Higher Ground of the Heart
A wide morning view over the city, a quiet reminder to see from the Lord’s higher ground.
Devotional Credit: Open Windows by T. Austin-Sparks
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Matthew 21 shows a King arriving in meekness, and a crowd that wants a quick, earthly win. Children praise Him. Leaders bristle. Underneath the noise, motives come into view. T. Austin-Sparks points us to this contrast and invites us to step onto higher ground, not to look down on anyone, but to see as Jesus sees.
I know how easy it is to measure ministry or a day’s work by what looks impressive. The heart can be eager for what is well spoken of, while quietly hoping God will bless the plans I already prefer. Austin-Sparks lifts my eyes to where the Lord’s purpose does not bend to our ambitions. From that vantage, what is true and what only appears true begin to separate.
This higher ground is not a place of strain. It is the quiet, steady view that comes from our union with Jesus. Set your mind above. Let the Spirit sort out what is of the Lord and what is just noise. When that settles in the heart, envy loosens, hurry slows, and love can move without needing the spotlight.
So today, I am grateful for a simple call. Seek the Lord’s viewpoint. Let His kingdom define success. Walk with Him when applause fades, and keep step with Him when opinions press. That is freedom.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I lift your eyes. You are raised with Christ, so seek the things that are above where He is seated. Set your mind on things above, not on the press of what is passing. Your life is hidden with Jesus in God, so you can test what is good and pleasing and perfect, and you can refuse to be shaped by this age.
I steady your heart when praise swells and when criticism bites. My wisdom is pure, peaceable, open to reason, full of mercy, without pretense. I form humility in you, the mind that was in Jesus, who did not grasp for position. I remind you that His kingdom is not of this world, and your citizenship is in heaven. Fix your eyes on Him. Consider Him, and do not grow weary.
I teach you to walk by Me. Do not love the world or the pride of life. Look to what is unseen. Present yourself to God. Let the word of Jesus dwell in you richly. From this place of union, you will discern what truly matters, and you will bear fruit that lasts.
Scripture references: Matthew 21:1 to 17, Colossians 3:1 to 4, Romans 12:2, James 3:17, Philippians 2:5 to 11, John 18:36, Philippians 3:20, Hebrews 12:2 to 3, 1 John 2:15 to 17, 2 Corinthians 4:18, Romans 12:1, Colossians 3:16, John 15:4 to 5.
Real-Life Analogy
On a maps app, two fingers widen the view. Zoomed in, a few blocks fill the screen and every turn feels urgent. Zoomed out, the whole route appears, traffic patterns make sense, and the anxiety of street by street decisions eases. Gaining the Lord’s viewpoint works like that. The Holy Spirit widens the frame. From that larger view, motives are sifted, detours are seen, and steps become simple again.
Try this today. Before a meeting that stirs pressure, open your hands for a breath and widen the view with your heart. Pray quietly, Lord, I trust You to set my mind above and sort my motives as I step in. Then move forward expecting the Spirit of Jesus to express patience, honesty, and peace through you.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You for joining me to Jesus and seating me with Him. Thank You for renewing my mind so that I can see what truly matters. I receive this day as a place to walk from Your viewpoint and not from pressure. I am grateful that Your Spirit searches my motives and produces love without the need to be seen. Lord, I trust You to express Your life in me as I choose what is good and pleasing to You.