Lyrics
Jesus, keep me near the cross,
There a precious fountain,
Free to all, a healing stream,
Flows from Calv'ry's mountain.
In the cross, in the cross
Be my glory ever,
Till my raptur'd soul shall find
Rest beyond the river.
Near the cross, a trembling soul,
Love and mercy found me;
There the Bright and Morning Star
Shed His beams around me.
In the cross, in the cross
Be my glory ever,
Till my raptur'd soul shall find
Rest beyond the river.
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.
In the cross, in the cross
Be my glory ever,
Till my raptur'd soul shall find
Rest beyond the river.
Near the cross! I'll watch and wait,
Hoping, trusting ever,
Till I reach the golden strand,
Just beyond the river.
In the cross, in the cross
Be my glory ever,
Till my raptur'd soul shall find
Rest beyond the river.
Song History & Meaning
Composer / Hymnodist: Fanny J. Crosby
Life often pulls our focus toward our own striving, but Fanny Crosby’s beloved hymn gently draws us back to the place where our faith began: the cross of Jesus. At Calvary, a fountain of mercy flows freely, offering healing and rest for every weary, trembling soul. When we choose to linger near the cross, we find that our true glory isn't in our achievements, but in Christ's unfailing love. May this song anchor your heart today in the peace and grace found only in Him.
📖 Related Scripture Passages:
- Galatians 6:14: “But far be it from me to boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”
- Zechariah 13:1: ““In that day there will be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness.”
- Revelation 7:17: “for the Lamb who is in the middle of the throne will be their shepherd and will lead them to springs of waters of life. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.””