Taking Down the High Places
When the high places fall, space opens up for God to dwell in fullness.
Inspired by Oswald Chambers, “My Utmost for His Highest” – April 15
Photo credit: Unsplash
Chambers isn’t calling for moral perfection through sheer effort. He’s pointing to a heart fully given over—not just in word or intention, but in response to the Spirit’s gentle nudges. That area you’ve doubted. That indulgence you rationalize. That mindset you’ve claimed is “just how I am.” These are the high places God longs to remove, not to burden us, but to fill those empty hills with His presence.
He reminds us: there’s no such thing as a break from walking in the Spirit. Just as your heart doesn’t pause between beats, the Spirit’s life within doesn’t take weekends off. God isn’t asking for hurried or heavy-handed performance—He’s inviting us to sustained fellowship, where even the smallest obedience becomes a shared moment of intimacy.
Personalized Journal Entry in the Holy Spirit’s Voice Through Scripture
I have made you holy and wholly Mine, not only in spirit but in body and soul. You are no longer your own, for you were bought with a price. I dwell in you as My temple, and I am patient, never ceasing in My work to shape you into the likeness of My Son. Yet in love, I also call your attention to what you’ve grown used to—those places in your thoughts, habits, or attitudes that still echo the voice of the old nature.
You say, “But my heart is right with God,” and indeed, your spirit is united with Mine. Yet I nudge you about the high places not to condemn, but because I desire all of you to experience the fullness of life and peace. I search your heart and test your mind not to expose you, but to free you. I whisper when you wander and bring conviction not as a judge, but as a faithful Friend. I do not break the bruised reed, nor do I quench the smoldering wick, but I do bring light to where shadows remain.
So let Me draw your attention gently—where you entertain what does not belong, where you excuse what you would not offer at My altar. The time has come to tear down the high places—not with dread, but with delight. I do not call you to scale the heights in your own strength. I have already given you everything you need for life and godliness. Walk with Me, step by step, thought by thought, and I will lead you into greater freedom. The idols must fall, but you are already free.
Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 6:19–20, Romans 8:9–10, 2 Corinthians 10:4–5, Psalm 139:23–24, Isaiah 42:3, 2 Peter 1:3
Prayer
Father, I am grateful that Your Spirit within me does not grow weary or impatient. You are not a harsh taskmaster but a loving Shepherd, guiding me in the gentle removal of what does not serve the life You’ve given me. I acknowledge that even the smallest compromise is not benign, and I embrace the grace You’ve already given to walk in freedom. Thank You for revealing—not to shame, but to invite. I receive that invitation anew today. Whatever hills still bear altars to the old ways, I trust You to lead me as those high places come down. You are enough.