"There is a mystery in human hearts,

And though we be encircled

By a host of those who love us well

And are well beloved,

To everyone of us from time to time,

There comes a sense of utter loneliness.

Our dearest friend is stranger to our joys,

And cannot realize our bitterness.

"There is not one

Who really understands

Nor one to enter into all I feel."

Such is the cry of each of us ....in turn,

We wander in "a solitary way".

No matter where or what our lot may be;

Each heart, mysterious even to itself,

Must live its inner life in solitude.

"And would you know

The reason why this is?

It is because the Lord desires our love.

In every heart he wishes to be First.

He therefore keeps the secret key Himself

—To open all its chambers

And to bless with perfect sympathy

And holy peace— each solitary Soul

Which comes to Him.

"So when we feel this loneliness,

It is the voice of God saying, "Come to me."

And every time we are "not understood"

—It is a call to us to come again;

For God alone ...can satisfy the Soul.

And those who walk with Him from day to day

Can never have a solitary way.

"And when beneath some heavy cross

You faint and say

"I cannot bear the cross alone"

—You say the truth.

God made it purposely so heavy

That you must return to Him.

The bitter grief which "no one understands"

Conveys a secret message from the King

...Entreating you to come to Him again.

The Lord understands it well

...In all points tempted, He can feel with you;

You cannot come too often, or too near.

The Son of God is infinite in grace,

His presence satisfies the longing Soul

And those who walk with Him from day to day

...Can never have a solitary way."