Charles Spurgeon Commentary Job 23:16-17

"For God hath made my heart faint, And the Almighty hath terrified me; Because I was not cut off before the darkness, Neither did he cover the thick darkness from my face." — Job 23:16-17 (ASV)

For God maketh my heart soft, and the Almighty troubleth me: Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither hath he covered the darkness from my face.

Now you see where you might be if you had Job's experience. If you are not there, be very grateful; and if you are there, say, "There is a better man than I am who has been this way before me. I can see his footprints on the sands of time, and I am encouraged by his example to trust my Lord in the darkest hour."

You are not the only man who has been in the coal-cellar; there have been better men than you in the dark places of the earth before now. Therefore, still have hope, and be confident in God that in His own good time He will deliver you.