Clinging to the Cross

Last week we sang the old hymn "The Old Rugged Cross".  I remember day that we would pull out our hymnals and go through the motion singing this song.  It was boring and there were a lot of versus.  Now at a church that sings these old hymns in a more contemporary way I have found them to be a bit more interesting.

Back to last week.  On Sunday we sang this song and it had a totally different meaning to me.  Like I said before I was breaking. I literally could not bare anymore.  This song spoke to me.  I felt the Holy Spirit whispering, "Just cling to the cross". That is what I have done all week.  Anytime my mind wonders and I find myself in an unhealthy thinking pattern this song pops in my head.

Thank you, Lord.  Thank you for that old rugged cross that I can cling to and can find comfort in!  You have won. There is victory in it.

1. On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
   The emblem of suff’ring and shame;
   And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
   For a world of lost sinners was slain.
   • Refrain:
     So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
     Till my trophies at last I lay down;
     I will cling to the old rugged cross,
     And exchange it some day for a crown.
2. Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
   Has a wondrous attraction for me;
   For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
   To bear it to dark Calvary.
3. In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
   A wondrous beauty I see,
   For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
   To pardon and sanctify me.
4. To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
   Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
   Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away,
   Where His glory forever I’ll share.