Lord, while I wander here below

Lord, while I wander here below
What ills my soul annoy!
For 'tis of thee I little know,
And ah! still less enjoy.

I often hear the word of life,
And all seems death within;
Yet feel a strange mysterious strife
Between my soul and sin.

I read the truth and think it o'er,
And long to know thy will;
And wrestle for thy Spirit's power;
But ah! how barren still!

But shall I from thy throne retreat,
And hopeless, yield to fear?
No, in the strength of God I'd wait,
Till mercy shall appear.

Then still, my soul, fresh cries lift up;
Stand firm in Zion's ways;
Till God at length shall crown thy hope,
And fill thee with his praise.