Lamentations 3:1-9 ▼

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.