Lamentations 3:1-13 ▼

1 I am the man who has seen affliction under the rod of God’s wrath.

2 He has driven me away and forced me to walk in darkness instead of light.

3 Yes, He repeatedly turns His hand against me all day long.

4 He has worn away my flesh and skin; He has shattered my bones.

5 He has laid siege against me, encircling me with bitterness and hardship.

6 He has made me dwell in darkness like those who have been dead for ages.

7 He has walled me in so I cannot escape; He has weighed me down with chains.

8 Even when I cry out and plead for help, He rejects my prayer.

9 He has walled in my ways with cut stones; He has made my paths crooked.

10 He is a bear waiting in ambush, a lion in hiding.

11 He forced me off my way and tore me to pieces; He left me desolate.

12 He strung His bow and set me as the target for His arrow.

13 He pierced my kidneys with His arrows.