Lamentations 3:1-13 ▼

1 I am a man familiar with affliction— under the rod of God's anger.

2 He has led me—brought me into darkness, not into light.

3 He truly turned his hand against me, again and again, all day long.

4 He made my flesh and skin prematurely old; he broke my bones.

5 He laid siege against me, surrounding me with bitterness and suffering.

6 He has forced me to live in darkness, like those who are long dead.

7 He has walled me in so I cannot escape; he placed heavy chains on me.

8 Indeed, when I cry out, calling for help, he shuts out my prayer.

9 He impeded my way with blocks of stone, making my paths uneven.

10 He is like a bear that lies in wait for me, a lion in hiding.

11 He forced me off my path, tearing me to pieces and making me desolate.

12 He bent his bow, aiming at me with his arrow.

13 He caused his war arrows to pierce my vital organs.