Taking up my cross daily

Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23, ESV).

Taking up my cross truly causes me to concentrate on God, to trust in Him more fully, and to stop relying on my own strength and wisdom.

Martin Luther once wrote in his Table Talk, "It is impossible for a human heart, without crosses and tribulation to think upon God."

So my heart sings though I do not live it like I should:

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

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 disown me, show Thy face and all is bright.