This is Holy Ground

I recently came across Elias Dummer on Instagram. What a blessing his music has been to me. I have been listening to the song “This is Holy Ground” on repeat for the past several days.

It reminds me that my relationship with God has never been defined in what I have done, nor will it ever be about what I do. Instead it depends wholly on the things He has done and the greatness of who He is. As I’ve been wrestling with defining myself in His love, this has been timely.

This is Holy Ground by Elias Dummer

It’s hard for me to pick my favorite lyrics from the song “This is Holy Ground” by Elias Dummer. I think it might be better to simply acknowledge that I almost always find something to nitpick in modern worship music.

I don’t like when the focus is on the singer. We talk about ourselves too much, already. And, sometimes I get the feeling that a song writer went to the scriptures only to pluck out a choice morsel to give their desired hook some credibility.

That is probably unfair. My pride gets in the way, as ever. But, it is very rare that I come across a song that so closely captures my experience in prayer and worship, without making it about my experience.

Lyrics I Like

I do find myself especially thrilled with a few portions of this song. Here are the lyrics I like, and why:

The first verse of the song says: “You are on high. You’re below it. Every step leads to you. Where can I go from Your Spirit? No place to run you can’t see. God, you need no invitation. You’re here.”

This homage to Psalm 139 convicts me. How many times in my walk with Jesus, have I forgotten Him? Yet, He has never once forgotten me. It’s humbling to remember that, just as we are reminded in Romans 8, nothing can separate us from His love.

The other part of this song that overwhelms me is the bridge: “Holy, holy, holy! There is none beside thee, merciful and mighty God, ever-present, three in one. Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee, what is dark that I should fear? The risen son of God is here.”

This seems to be fairly obviously inspired by the hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty”. I also love that song. But, as someone who battles fear and anxiety over what the future may hold, I appreciate this fresh reminder.

There is no circumstance in which He is not in control. Jesus reminds His disciples of that in Mark 4:40, when they panic at the storm that is rocking their boat. That verse reminds me to stop what I am doing and simply trust Him.

Verses about This is Holy Ground

Here are some verses about this is holy ground which came to mind in writing this post:

“He said to them, ‘Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?’” Mark 4:40 (ESV)

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)

“Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!” Psalm 139:7-8 (ESV)