First Sunday in Lenten, February 22 Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross

Scripture:

“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me.” Galatians 2:19–20

Hymn Focus:
“Jesus, keep me near the cross;
There a precious fountain…”

Lent is a season of returning—returning to God, returning to truth, returning to the place where grace first met us. The hymn “Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross” is a quiet prayer of the heart, asking not for escape from hardship, but for nearness to Christ in every circumstance.

To ask to be kept near the cross is to acknowledge how easily we drift. We become distracted by comfort, overwhelmed by worry, or weighed down by guilt. Lent gently draws us back, reminding us that the cross is not only the place of Christ’s suffering, but the source of our healing and hope. The “precious fountain” flowing from the cross speaks of forgiveness that never runs dry.

The hymn names the cross as both refuge and strength:
“Near the cross, a trembling soul,
Love and mercy found me.”
Here, our fear is met with compassion. Our trembling is not dismissed, but welcomed. Lent invites us to bring our weakness honestly before God, trusting that love and mercy still meet us there.

As the hymn continues, it looks beyond the present moment to God’s sustaining grace:
“Near the cross I’ll watch and wait,
Hoping, trusting ever.”
Lent teaches us to wait—to sit with unanswered questions, to hold faith even when the path is unclear. Staying near the cross anchors us in hope, reminding us that God’s promises are sure, even when fulfillment seems distant.

This hymn also points us forward:
“Till I reach the golden strand,
Just beyond the river.”
The cross stands not only at the center of our repentance, but at the doorway to eternal life. The hope of resurrection gives meaning to our waiting and courage to our faith.

During this Lenten season, let this hymn become your prayer. Ask Jesus to keep you near the cross—near mercy when you fail, near love when you are afraid, and near hope when you are weary.

Prayer

Jesus, keep us near the cross.

When we are tempted to wander, draw us back.
When we are burdened by sin or sorrow,

 remind us that love and mercy still flow.
As we journey through Lent,

help us to watch and wait with hope,
trusting Your grace now and forever.
Amen.