Be near (Bethany Dillon)

I follow all the rules Well, at least I'm trying
Hoping when my days are through You'll be pleased

I've lived the longest days Thinking my heart was so bad
Too scared to look in your face Oh, if only I had
And is it alright If I stay here all night By the shoreline

I cannot believe you are angry or unjust
You've done nothing but have compassion on us
So be near me when I've given up Be near me

I'm just like everyone else We are all hiding
Acting like I have a wealth Of knowledge and peace

But all I've ever wanted And what men have given their lives for
Is a God who understands my weaknesses A God that I can love

I believe you are good and righteous You've given me your reckless love
So be near, be near... 

"Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken"

by Henry Francis Lyte, 1793-1847

1. Jesus, I my cross have taken, All to leave and follow Thee; Destitute, despised, forsaken, Thou from hence my All shalt be. Perish every fond ambition, All I've sought or hoped or known; Yet how rich is my condition! God and heaven are still my own.

2. Let the world despise and leave me, They have left my Savior, too. Human hearts and looks deceive  me; Thou art not, like them, untrue. And while Thou shalt smile upon me, God of wisdom, love, and might, Foes may hate and friends may shun me; Show Thy face, and all is bright. 

3. Go, then, earthly fame and treasure! Come, disaster, scorn, and pain! In Thy service, pain is pleasure; With Thy favor, loss is gain. I have called Thee Abba, Father! I have stayed my heart on Thee. Storms may howl, and clouds may gather, All must work for good to me.

4. Man may trouble and distress me, 'Twill but drive me to Thy breast; Life with trials hard may press me, Heaven will bring me sweeter rest. Oh, 'tis not in grief to harm me While Thy love is left to me; Oh, 'twere not in joy to charm me Were that joy unmixed with Thee.

5. Take, my soul, thy full salvation; Rise o'er sin and fear and care; Joy to find in every station, Something still to do or bear. Think what Spirit dwells within thee, What a Father's smile is thine,

What a Savior died to win thee; Child of heaven, shouldst thou repine?

6. Haste, then, on from grace to glory, Armed by faith and winged by prayer; Heaven's eternal day's before thee, God's own hand shall guide thee there. Soon shall close the earthly mission, Swift shall pass thy pilgrim days, Hope soon change to glad fruition, Faith to sight, and prayer to praise.