Higher Ways

This morning I had a quiet house all to myself, and took the time to kneel beside our empty crib and cry out to the Lord. Words from David’s Psalms came to my mind as I prayed. Remembering the harsh criticism I received from someone at our former agency over my stand for life, I asked God to “Let me not be ashamed; Let not my enemies triumph over me” (Psalm 25:3) - asking Him to honor that stand by granting us another child. Recognizing that He alone could receive credit for miraculously opening the door for us at this late date, I thought of the theme of Psalm 115, “Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.”

The phone rang as I was ending my time of prayer, and I thought how awesome it would be to receive “the call” at just that time – but then I was reminded, as I so often have been of late, that “my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.” (Isaiah 55:8).

Years ago when I was graduating from high school, my sister shared with me the words to this song. I have not forgotten it, and have often thought of these words as we have waited for our child to arrive this time around. They are inspired by the verse I just mentioned. Perhaps they will minister to someone else’s heart today as well …

HIGHER WAYS

If I could only fly
I'd go up and look down from the sky
So I could see the bigger picture
And Lord if I could sit with You
At Your feet for an hour or two
I'm sure I'd ask too many questions
'Cause there's so much going on down here
That I must confess I just don't understand

BRIDGE
But I have prayed
And at your feet my whole life has been laid
So I wont worry I wont be afraid
'Cause my soul is resting on Your higher ways
Let the road ahead become unclear
I am Yours so what have I to fear
If my soul is resting on Your higher ways

CHORUS
Your higher ways teach me to trust You
Your higher ways are not like mine
Your higher ways are the ways of the Father
Hiding His children in His love

BRIDGE
So let it rain
And if my eyes grow dim with tears of pain
This hope I have will not be washed away
'Cause my soul is resting on Your higher ways

Maybe then You will take me aside
And show me the bigger picture
But until I'm with You
I'll be here with a heart that is true
And a soul that's resting on
Your higher ways

-Steven Curtis Chapman