Lyrics - Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross

[Verse 1]

Jesus, keep me near the cross

There a precious fountain

Free to all, a healing stream,

Flows from Calv’ry’s mountain

[Chorus]

In the cross, in the cross

Be my glory ever

Till my ransomed soul shall find

Rest beyond the river

[Verse 2]

Near the cross my trembling soul

Heard the Savior calling

There He died that I may know

Grace and peace abounding

[Verse 3]


Near the cross! O Lamb of God,

Bring its scenes before me

Help me walk from day to day

With its shadow o’er me

[Verse 4]

Near the cross! My heart will stay

Hoping, trusting ever

Till my eyes shall see the face

Of my blessed Savior

Words: Fanny Crosby, alt. Matt Boswell, Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty

Bible Memory Verse

‘But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.’

- Ephesians 2:13 ESV

Story Behind the Song

This is one of the thousands of hymns written by American hymn-writer Fanny Crosby. She wrote it in 1869 and it was first seen in the collection ‘Bright Jewels’. Composer William Howard Doane wrote the music and Crosby added the text. She lost her sight at just six weeks old. This is why the lyric (like many of her lyrics) is full of visual imagery and also the deep delight and safety she felt in staying near the Savior.

Dwight L. Moody once asked her what one thing she would wish for. Her reply was that she would stay blind for the rest of her life so that when she would finally see in heaven her first sight would be of her Savior.

Often when new hymnals are created little edits are put here and there to refresh old texts for a new generation to sing. In this hymn we made an edit on the last verse to echo this detail from Fanny Crosby’s life. We hope you can enjoy both lyrics!

Something to Think About

This week I visited the Nashville Zoo with my seven year old daughter. She loved seeing the animals, the displays, the playground. But even more was her joy in knowing I was close by, could share it with her and hold her hand often. In her little world nothing is quite real until she has told me all about it. She wanted me to help her see and understand. As a mother this is a lovely thing!

When we are a Christian we live each day moving through lots of different things. We make decisions. We build plans. We react to every problem. But, like a young child’s trust in a parent, we are to stay close to the Savior, remembering His words of truth, His gospel through all we do.

That nearness will shape how we see everything, where we go, what we care about, how we enjoy and share in this life. We will lean on His grace and more grace when we make mistakes. It will deeply comfort us in disappointment and pain. It will inspire us to better love others. We will remember that sharing the good news is our truest calling.

For Fanny Crosby this nearness to the Savior was her greatest treasure and she didn’t want to forget. It was all her life and hope. And so she prays for it is this song. May it be our prayer too.

Prayer

Father in heaven,

May we understand that your cross is our only hope, our anchor in every struggle that we face. Please use this song to focus our thoughts on the Savior that we may follow Him each day even when it is difficult. Thank you for the vast riches of your grace to us.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Teach your children to praise God with heart and voice! Click here to learn more about Kristyn Getty’s new book, “We Sing!”

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