Hello, friends, and welcome to another fandoms post! I’ve been enjoying some new Imagine Dragons music these past few months, and today I’m jamming to “Higher Ground” from the new album. The musical style and lyrics of this song make it perfect for goal-setting and looking forward to the new year. Enjoy!
Fandom: “This life is such a ride, I live until I die, I walk into the fire, I’m searching for the higher ground…” – Imagine Dragons
Truth: Our lives as believers should be characterized by relentless pursuit of Higher Ground – greater understanding of truth, obedience, and perseverance in trials.
Fandom
Imagine Dragons’ “Higher Ground” is one of their more jam-worthy songs, with a pounding drumbeat and electric guitars. The vocals have many different layers, with some harmonies that have given me chills a couple of times. I even caught hints of piano/keyboard and what sounded like chimes or a triangle? Whatever the case, it’s a well-made song, as can be expected from this award-winning group.
The lyrics of this song are on par with “Believer” and “Whatever It Takes,” with a combo of honest vulnerability and fierce determination. As is often the case, the chorus is my favorite part of these lyrics:
This life is such a ride, I live until I die, I walk into the fire, I'm searching for the higher ground
What a life, I live until I die, won't fail unless I try, I'm searching for the higher ground...
Of course, the infectiously catchy melody of these lines certainly helps 😎😸
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Verses – searching for the higher ground
The idea of Higher Ground immediately points me to these verses from Hebrews:
All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen and welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. And indeed if they had been thinking of that [country] which they left, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better [country,] that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.
Hebrews 11:13-16
These verses come from the well-known Hall of Faith/Faith Hall of Fame that is Hebrews chapter 11. Described in this chapter are people like Abraham and Moses, who never saw the Messiah but believed in Him anyway. They put their faith in the word of a God that they couldn’t see most of the time. And they lived with eternity in their hearts, looking towards heaven rather than seeking the pleasures and possessions of earth. Here’s another couple of examples of this type of mindset:
Brothers [and sisters,] I do not regard myself as having taken hold of [it yet;] but one thing [I do:] forgetting what [lies] behind and reaching forward to what [lies] ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Phil. 3:13-14
Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.
Hebrews 10:35 NASB20
The Greek word for “confidence” in this last verse is parresia, which means “free and fearless confidence, cheerful courage, boldness, assurance; of the undoubting confidence of Christians of their fellowship with God.” This definition fits the feel of this song to me; while the verses describe some difficulty that the singer/narrator is dealing with, they also express a determination that to me feels like “free and fearless confidence” or “cheerful courage.” It’s definitely something I’d like to develop this year!
As we’re going into the new year, or whenever you might be reading this, I want to keep this mindset, looking towards my heavenly home instead of focusing on earthly things.
Application
In response to what I’ve learned from these lyrics and verses, here are a few “I will” statements that will help me to apply, internalize, and act on the Truth of God’s Word:
- Keep my focus on the “higher ground” that is waiting at the end of this life
- Live an abundant life on earth that glorifies God
- Bring as many people with me as I possibly can
- Pray for endurance during trials and temptations
- Give everything to God because it’s all His to begin with
Conclusion
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post about Imagine Dragons “Higher Ground” and how it reflects my feeling going into the new year. What is your goal for 2023? I’d love to know!
Happy fangirling!
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