i travelled down a lonely road
and no one seemed to care
the burden on my weary back
had bowed me to despair.

i oft complained to Jesus,
how folks were treating me,
and then i heard Him say, so tenderly-

"My feet were also weary,
upon the Calvary road,
the cross became so heavy,
I bowed beneath the load.
be faithful weary pilgrim, the morning I can see.
so lift your cross and follow close to Me."

"i work so hard for Jesus,"
i often boast and say-
"i've sacrificed alot of things
to walk the narrow way.
i gave up fame and fortune,
im worth alot to Thee!"
and then i hear Him gently say to me

"i left the throne of glory
and counted it but loss,
My hands were nailed in anger,
upon a cruel cross;
but now we'll make the journey,
with Your hand safe in Mine.
so lift your cross and follow,
close to Me."

o Jesus, if i died upon
a foreign field some day.
t'would be no more than love demands,
no less could i repay.

"no greater love hath mortal man,
than for a friend to die."
these are the words He gently spoke to me:

"if just a cup of water,
I place within your hand,
then just a cup of water,
is all that i demand."

but if by death to living,
they can Thy glory see,
i'll take my cross and follow
close to Thee.