Job 23:8, 9, 10

Forward I now in duties go,
But, O! my Saviour is not there!
Heavy He makes me drive, and slow,
Without the chariot-wheels of prayer.

I look to former times, and strain
The footsteps of my God to trace;
Backward I go (but still in vain)
To find the tokens of His grace.

Surrounded by His power I stand,
His work on other souls I see,
He deals His gifts on either hand,
But still He hides Himself from me.

Groaning I languish at His stay,
But He regards my every groan;
Dark and disconsolate my way,
But still my way to Him is known.

When fully He my faith hath tried,
Like gold I in the fire shall shine,
Come forth when seven times purified,
And strongly bear the stamp Divine.