Lamentations 3:5-19

5He has attacked me and surrounded me with bitterness and hardship.

6He has made me live in darkness, like those who died a long time ago.

7He has blocked me so that I can’t get out. He has put heavy chains on me.

8Even when I cry and call for help, he shuts out my prayer.

9He has blocked my way with cut stones and made my paths crooked.

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

11He has forced me off the road I was taking, torn me to pieces, and left me with nothing.

12He has drawn his bow and made me the target for his arrows.

13He has shot the arrows from his quiver into my heart.

14I have become a laughingstock to all my people. All day long ⌞they make fun of me⌟ with their songs.

15He has filled me with bitterness. He has made me drink wormwood.

16He has ground my teeth with gravel. He has trampled me into the dust.

17“My soul has been kept from enjoying peace. I have forgotten what happiness is.

18I said, ‘I’ve lost my strength ⌞to live⌟ and my hope in the Lord.’

19Remember my suffering and my ⌞aimless⌟ wandering, the wormwood and poison.