30 Bible Verses About Getting High
The concept of getting “high” can be viewed through both spiritual and earthly lenses in the Bible. Spiritually, God invites believers to rise to new heights in their relationship with Him. However, the Bible also warns against earthly pursuits of intoxication or elevating oneself above God. These verses offer guidance on what it truly means to live with purpose, be filled with the Spirit, and remain humble in all things.
1. Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
This verse describes the spiritual “high” of those who trust in God. When we hope in the Lord, He lifts us beyond our limitations, giving us strength and endurance. It emphasizes that true elevation comes through reliance on God, not earthly distractions.
2. Ephesians 5:18 – “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”
Here, Paul contrasts physical intoxication with spiritual elevation. He warns against seeking a high through substances, which leads to destruction, and encourages believers to be filled with the Holy Spirit, the ultimate source of true joy and strength.
3. Proverbs 4:18 – “The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.”
This verse speaks of the righteous being elevated spiritually as they grow in wisdom. The more we follow God’s ways, the brighter our path becomes, like a sunrise that reaches its full potential. It emphasizes spiritual ascent, not relying on earthly highs.
4. Colossians 3:2 – “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Paul urges believers to focus on spiritual pursuits rather than temporary pleasures. “Getting high” in this sense means striving toward heavenly goals, elevating our thoughts and actions to align with God’s will instead of earthly distractions.
5. Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
This verse calls us to elevate our thoughts, focusing on virtuous things rather than fleeting highs. True elevation comes from filling our minds with what pleases God and fosters spiritual growth.
6. Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”
This verse speaks of spiritual transformation, which leads to a higher, more enlightened life. Instead of seeking earthly highs, we are called to experience true elevation through the renewing of our minds by God’s Word.
7. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
Here, Paul reminds believers that their bodies are sacred. Seeking to get high through substances is not honoring God with our bodies. True elevation comes when we honor God in all aspects of life, including our physical health.
8. James 4:10 – “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
True spiritual elevation comes from humility. Rather than seeking personal advancement or earthly highs, we are called to humble ourselves before God, and He will elevate us according to His will and timing.
9. Psalm 61:2 – “From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”
This verse speaks to seeking refuge in God, the ultimate source of elevation. When life feels overwhelming, God provides the highest refuge, offering us comfort and spiritual strength that far exceeds any earthly high.
10. 2 Corinthians 5:7 – “For we live by faith, not by sight.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of faith over physical sensations. Rather than seeking high experiences or material fulfillment, we are called to live by faith in God, trusting in His plans and elevating our spiritual perspective.
11. Isaiah 55:9 – “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
God’s ways and thoughts are infinitely higher than our own. True elevation in life comes when we align our will with His and seek understanding through His wisdom, rather than relying on our own fleeting pursuits.
12. Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Jesus offers true rest and peace, elevating us above the stress and struggles of life. Unlike earthly highs, which provide temporary relief, Christ offers lasting comfort and spiritual fulfillment, lifting us out of weariness.
13. Psalm 103:5 – “Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
This verse speaks of God renewing us spiritually, much like an eagle soaring to new heights. Instead of seeking artificial highs, we are called to allow God to fulfill our deepest needs and rejuvenate us spiritually.
14. 2 Peter 1:3 – “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”
Peter reminds us that God’s power is the ultimate source of spiritual elevation. Rather than seeking highs from external sources, we are empowered by God’s divine nature to live fully in His glory and goodness.
15. Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
This verse warns against the high of pride. While seeking to elevate oneself may seem appealing, it ultimately leads to downfall. True elevation comes from humility and submission to God’s will, rather than self-promotion.
16. Galatians 5:16 – “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
Paul encourages believers to walk in the Spirit, which leads to true freedom and spiritual elevation. Rather than seeking temporary highs through the flesh, we are called to pursue a life led by the Holy Spirit.
17. Romans 8:6 – “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”
This verse contrasts worldly pursuits of elevation with spiritual life. Pursuing the things of the flesh leads to death, but living by the Spirit leads to true peace and everlasting life, elevating us beyond the temporary.
18. Luke 10:20 – “However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Jesus teaches us that the true source of joy and elevation comes not from earthly accomplishments or powers but from our eternal relationship with God. Our spiritual standing with God is the highest honor we can attain.
19. Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Jesus directs us to seek God’s kingdom first, emphasizing that true elevation and fulfillment come through pursuing spiritual goals rather than earthly highs. God will provide everything we need when we prioritize His will.
20. Hebrews 12:2 – “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Jesus’s journey to the cross is the ultimate example of spiritual elevation. By fixing our eyes on Him, we find the strength to endure and rise above temporary challenges, ultimately leading to eternal glory.
21. Psalm 34:3 – “Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.”
This verse calls us to elevate God’s name above all else. Instead of seeking earthly highs, we are encouraged to worship and exalt the Lord, finding joy and fulfillment in honoring Him.
22. Philippians 2:9-10 – “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.”
This passage speaks to the ultimate elevation of Jesus Christ, who was exalted by God. It reminds us that true greatness comes from humility and obedience to God, leading to eternal honor and recognition.
23. John 3:30 – “He must become greater; I must become less.”
John the Baptist models the way of true spiritual elevation. By humbling ourselves and allowing Christ to increase in our lives, we experience the fullness of God’s will, which is the highest calling.
24. Psalm 18:33 – “He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights.”
This verse speaks of God’s enabling power to lift us up to heights we could not reach on our own. Spiritual elevation comes from God, who strengthens and empowers us to stand firm and rise above life’s challenges.
25. Isaiah 55:8 – “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.”
31. 1 Thessalonians 5:6 – “So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.”
This verse encourages believers to remain spiritually awake and alert, free from the distractions of earthly pleasures or intoxication. Spiritual elevation comes from staying focused on God’s calling, keeping our minds sober and attentive to His guidance.
32. Psalm 145:14 – “The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.”
God is the one who lifts us up when we are weak or broken. When we face life’s challenges, it is God’s strength that elevates us from our troubles. Unlike earthly highs, His elevation provides lasting restoration and healing.
33. Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
God’s Word is a guide that leads us to the highest paths in life. When we align ourselves with His truth, we find the guidance and strength to rise above worldly distractions and elevate our lives toward His purposes.
34. Mark 10:29-30 – “Truly I tell you, no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age and in the age to come eternal life.”
Jesus promises that those who make sacrifices for the kingdom of God will receive abundant rewards. These rewards aren’t temporary highs, but eternal, spiritual elevation. Our willingness to follow Him elevates us both in this life and the next.
35. Matthew 6:19-20 – “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
True elevation comes from storing up heavenly treasures, not earthly ones. Earthly pursuits, such as temporary highs or material wealth, are fleeting and perishable. By focusing on spiritual growth and treasures in heaven, we experience lasting fulfillment and elevation.
36. Psalm 23:1-3 – “The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.”
The Lord provides everything we need, spiritually elevating us through His care and guidance. Unlike the fleeting effects of intoxication or worldly highs, God’s provision brings lasting rest and peace, lifting our souls.
37. Hebrews 12:1-2 – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
True elevation comes from fixing our eyes on Jesus and running the race of life with perseverance. We are encouraged to leave behind everything that distracts us, including the temporary highs of sin, and focus on the eternal prize found in Christ.
38. John 16:33 – “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Jesus offers true peace, elevating us above the troubles of this world. Unlike earthly highs that mask problems temporarily, His peace endures, helping us rise above life’s struggles and find strength in His victory.
39. 1 John 4:4 – “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
This verse emphasizes the power of God within believers, which is far greater than any earthly pursuit of elevation. Through God’s power, we rise above worldly struggles, and His presence elevates us spiritually above all challenges.
40. Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”
God promises to elevate our lives according to His perfect plan. Rather than seeking temporary highs, we are invited to trust in God’s long-term plans, which will lead us to true prosperity, hope, and an eternal future.
41. Revelation 3:21 – “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.”
This passage speaks of the ultimate spiritual elevation. Through faith in Christ and victory over sin, believers are promised the incredible privilege of sitting with Christ on His throne. This is the highest honor, far greater than any earthly achievement.
42. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 – “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”
Paul compares the Christian life to a race. While earthly rewards are temporary, the crown believers receive from living faithfully is eternal. This verse highlights that true elevation comes from spiritual discipline and perseverance, not from fleeting worldly achievements.
43. Psalm 42:1 – “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.”
This verse expresses a deep longing for God, the true source of spiritual elevation. Unlike temporary pleasures, the pursuit of God satisfies the soul and elevates us to a deeper level of fulfillment and peace.
44. Isaiah 60:1 – “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.”
This call to rise and shine reflects the spiritual elevation that comes from God’s glory. When we live in alignment with His purposes, we reflect His light, and our lives are elevated above the darkness of this world.
45. 2 Corinthians 4:17 – “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
The apostle Paul reminds us that our temporary struggles pale in comparison to the eternal glory God has for us. Spiritual elevation is achieved through perseverance, and our trials ultimately lead to a far greater reward.
46. Romans 8:18 – “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
This verse highlights that true elevation comes not from avoiding suffering but from enduring it with faith, knowing that God’s eternal glory is far greater than any earthly challenge or high.
47. Matthew 5:3 – “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Jesus teaches that true elevation in God’s kingdom comes through humility. Those who are poor in spirit—who recognize their need for God—are elevated to the highest position in the kingdom of heaven.
48. 1 Timothy 4:8 – “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
While physical pursuits may elevate us temporarily, the pursuit of godliness elevates us in both this life and the next. True elevation is found in spiritual growth, which holds lasting benefits far beyond the fleeting effects of physical pursuits.
49. Hebrews 13:15 – “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.”
Offering praise to God elevates our lives. Through worship, we acknowledge God’s greatness, and this continual act of praise lifts our spirits to new heights. It is a true form of spiritual elevation that brings us closer to God.
50. Proverbs 2:6 – “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
The pursuit of wisdom elevates our lives spiritually. Rather than seeking earthly highs, we are called to seek knowledge and understanding from God, who provides the true wisdom that lifts us above worldly distractions.
Conclusion
The Bible consistently teaches that true elevation—whether in times of triumph or struggle—comes through faith in God, a life led by His Spirit, and a focus on heavenly, eternal goals. Unlike earthly highs, which fade, God’s way of lifting us offers lasting peace, strength, and fulfillment. As we walk with God, seeking His guidance and trusting in His plans, we are elevated to the heights He has designed for us—where true joy and purpose are found.
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