Recently Liz, my wife, shared a dream she had in December 2023. She believed it related to the new year, 2024. In the dream she was on a beach in the water with other people. Everyone was enjoying themselves. She looked out at the horizon and could see what appeared to be a black wave off in the distance. Suddenly and unexpectantly, it was upon her. It was a massive black wave about to overtake everyone. The wave did not appear to be natural but man-made, due it’s black color. She thought as the ominous wave was overhead, why wasn’t I on higher ground? She woke up and knew that the Lord was warning, take the higher ground.
The Advantage of Higher Ground from a Navy Seal
In a recent podcast Jocko Willink, former Navy Seal, explains the strategic importance of the “higher ground” in combat, “The high ground has multiple meanings. First, I’m up above in a visual place, where I can see more. That is the definition of detachment. I’m in an elevated position…You can see the entire battlefield. When you can detach from your emotions, you have so much power. When you can see from [an elevated position] you get so much more power. Secondly, you never want to give up the high ground. It gives you so much of an advantage…when you give it up, you give it up at your peril especially if you let someone else to get the higher ground. When you go down to the lower ground, you give up your advantage. At worst, your enemy takes over the high ground. There must be a line you will not give up. I will never give up my high ground.” You can listen to Jocko’s podcast by clicking here.
During worship at our New Year’s Eve Service, God spoke to me, “Psalm 24.” There is a lot to the Psalm, and Liz and I spoke together of the dream and Psalm 24 at The Road on January 14, 2024. You can watch the sermon here.
My Observations based on Liz’s Dream and Psalm 24
- Something demonic is coming in 2024 that will be a creation of man, designed to create fear. It will be sudden and unexpected. Is it a grid shutdown, another COVID attack, or something else? No one knows exactly what’s coming in 2024 but get ready for some significant disturbances this year.
- Seek the strategic “higher ground.” Psalm 24:3-6 gives us insight into how we should live,
“Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?
Or who may stand in His holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol,
Nor sworn deceitfully.
He shall receive blessing from the Lord,
And righteousness from the God of his salvation.
This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him,
Who seek Your face.”
Are you daily seeking the Lord? Are you living with clean hands and a pure heart? This is the higher ground. I admonish you to be ready spiritually in a personal way.
- From the higher ground, stay detached emotionally and don’t let fear take over. Remember who you are and whose you are. God is with you, and He will protect you.
- Prepare but don’t be frightened. At The Road we will be preparing our church for any eventuality. As the senior pastor of The Road, I believe it’s my primary responsibility as the shepherd to lead, feed, and prepare the sheep for any situation.
- Stay courageous and calm. Stay connected to the Lord and to your faith community. Never give up the higher ground!
Bring it on!
Pastor Steve
