Lamentations 3:1-9   New International Version    

3 [a]I am the man who has seen affliction     by the rod of the Lord’s wrath. 2 He has driven me away and made me walk     in darkness rather than light; 3 indeed, he has turned his hand against me     again and again, all day long.

4 He has made my skin and my flesh grow old     and has broken my bones. 5 He has besieged me and surrounded me     with bitterness and hardship. 6 He has made me dwell in darkness     like those long dead.

7 He has walled me in so I cannot escape;     he has weighed me down with chains. 8 Even when I call out or cry for help,     he shuts out my prayer. 9 He has barred my way with blocks of stone;     he has made my paths crooked.

Lamentations 3:19-33   New International Version    

19 I remember my affliction and my wandering,     the bitterness and the gall. 20 I well remember them,     and my soul is downcast within me. 21 Yet this I call to mind     and therefore I have hope:

22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,     for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning;     great is your faithfulness. 24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;     therefore I will wait for him.”

25 The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,     to the one who seeks him; 26 it is good to wait quietly     for the salvation of the Lord. 27 It is good for a man to bear the yoke     while he is young.

28 Let him sit alone in silence,     for the Lord has laid it on him. 29 Let him bury his face in the dust—     there may yet be hope. 30 Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him,     and let him be filled with disgrace.

31 For no one is cast off     by the Lord forever. 32 Though he brings grief, he will show compassion,     so great is his unfailing love. 33 For he does not willingly bring affliction     or grief to anyone.