Embracing the Cross

Help me to love the crosses
  That come to me each day.
Show me the joy distresses
  Can bring to mark Your way.

To take up my cross
  Deny self, and follow You.
To shed away the dross
  Remake me, devoted and true.

At the thought of pain
  My natural man will shutter.
When insults are plain
  The temptation is to mutter.

I need Your abiding grace;
  I need Your strength to walk
With a bright and cheery face.
  My daily cross - I embrace.

Thank you, O Lord
  For the trial at hand.
Thank you, O Lord
  For the courage to stand.

By Julie Dunlap  3-22-2011