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Lamentations 3 (The Message)

1-22 I am the man who has seen sorrow and been beaten with the rod of God’s anger. 3-5 He’s driven me into darkness, not light. 4-5 He’s turned his hand against me again and again, all day long. 6-18 He’s made my skin and flesh black as coal, broken my bones in his rage. 7-18 God, you’ve hung me up high and hard, powerless to move. 9-18 You’ve knocked the juice out of me, drained my energy, left me a shrunken skin-bag of eyes. 19-21 I’m in a dead-end street, going nowhere, my life’s a wasteland. 22-23 I’ve lost my faith, have nothing left to lose. I’m on my last legs, and I’m saying it plain: God, your mercy never gives out— your loyalty is rich and vast. 24-26 The country is in ruins, the city a wreck, but your word holds steady. 27-30 You pull us through, the ones who survive, the ones you keep as a gift to the world. 31-33 If you kill the wicked, God, would that be so bad? If bloodthirsty bullies don’t get what’s coming to them, wouldn’t that mess up your perfect record? 34-36 But you, God, are all-loving and patient, full of mercy and truth. You’re good to everyone, kind and generous to all who call on you. 37-39 So let the heartbroken come to you, all who are hurting. You’re an oasis of hope, a present help in trouble. 40-41 Come with your word, God, and let your healing power flow. Straighten out this crooked life of mine. 42-45 Rescue me from the mire, don’t let me down. Take back your life-vow, for you’re my only hope, O God. 46-47 All day long I’m in despair, every morning I’m up with the sun to cry for help, I lay out my case before you, God. 48-51 You mean something to the living, you can still help them, but the dead, nothing. Intercede for me, live God, send your strength. 52-54 You’ve taken so much from me: my friends, my neighbors, my hope, my future. But I’m still alive, still breathing, still believing in your good will. 55-57 So once and for all, God, turn your anger away from me, your rage away from me. Be my personal God and savior. Restore my honor— you’re the one who loves and saves me.

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Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

I come before You today, humbled and broken, seeking Your mercy and grace. I acknowledge my sin and the sin of this world, and I ask for Your forgiveness. Help me to trust in Your unfailing love and faithfulness, even in the darkest times. Give me strength to endure, and fill me with Your hope and joy. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

To GOD be the Glory!!!

In Mercy and Truth,

T