Psalms 86:4

Unto Thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.

Soul elevation

The soul’s true elevation is a progress--

I. Godward. “Unto Thee.” It does not really rise as it moves towards worldly wealth, position, influence, or knowledge; but only as it moves towards God.

II. By self-effort. “Do I lift up my soul.” It must rise, not as a stone rises into the air, by the application of a foreign force, and as soon as the force is expended comes down again; but as the lark rises, by its own energy, and the use of its own pinions. Self-lifting is the true lifting; and it requires aa effort, resolute, energetic, and persevering. (Homilist.)