I am a man who has seen the suffering that comes from the rod of the LORD’s anger. He led me into darkness, not light. He turned his hand against me again and again, all day long. He wore out my flesh and skin and broke my bones. He surrounded me with sadness and attacked me with grief. He made me sit in the dark, like those who have been dead a long time. He shut me in so I could not get out; he put heavy chains on me. I cry out and beg for help, but he ignores my prayer. He blocked my way with a stone wall and led me in the wrong direction. He is like a bear ready to attack me, like a lion in hiding. He led me the wrong way and let me stray and left me without help. He prepared to shoot his bow and made me the target for his arrows. He shot me in the kidneys with the arrows from his bag. I was a joke to all my people, who make fun of me with songs all day long. The LORD filled me with misery; he made me drunk with suffering. He broke my teeth with gravel and trampled me into the dirt. I have no more peace. I have forgotten what happiness is. I said, “My strength is gone, and I have no hope in the LORD.”
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Compare All Versions: Lamentations 3:1-18
5 Days
Pain. Sorrow. Anxiety. Anger. Relief. Numbness. Fear. Joy. The emotions that we feel when going through the grieving process are numerous. In this five-day devotional journey, we'll explore some of the every-day practicalities involved in the grieving process, all while helping to see God as present in a time where that may not be easy to see and feel.
Most likely written by the prophet Jeremiah, Lamentations is a collection of poems mourning the siege of Jerusalem and the coming exile of Judah. Despite the wickedness of God’s people that led to their captivity, the writer reminds his readers the loyal love and mercy of the Lord are truly new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Even in deep darkness, God is our portion, our hope, and our salvation.
When trauma or tragedy strike, it can seem to us that it’s impossible to live again. Neurosurgeon Lee Warren—who has endured his own personal tragedies—says you can survive, find your feet, reinvigorate your faith, and even experience happiness again. His treatment plan works. And hope is the first dose he prescribes.
By journaling our prayers and reflecting on our experiences, we dialogue with God, finding peace and reassurance in His presence, a simple yet profound act of writing down your thoughts to understand them more clearly. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to present our requests to God with thanksgiving, promising that “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
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