Extraordinary Christmas: 25-Day Advent Devotional

REDEEM: A Journey of Healing Through Divorce and Addiction

Heart Over Hype: Returning to Authentic Faith

Small Wonder: A Christmas Devotional Journey

Romans: Faith That Changes Everything

Connect With God Through Remembrance | 7-Day Devotional

Spirit + Bride

Bible in a Year Through Song

I Am Happy: Finding Joy in Who God Says I Am

God's Purposes in Motherhood

The Listener’s Bible®: NIV Edition

New International Version™  (Anglicised), Audio Edition

Holy Bible, New International Version™ (Anglicised), South Asian Audio Edition

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkLAM">
      <div class="chapter ch4" data-usfm="LAM.4">
         <div class="label">4</div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="ft">  </span><span class="ft">This chapter is an acrostic poem, the verses of which begin with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet.</span><span class="ft">  </span></span></span><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="LAM.4.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">How the gold has lost its luster,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="LAM.4.1"><span class="content">the fine gold become dull!</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="LAM.4.1"><span class="content">The sacred gems are scattered</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="LAM.4.1"><span class="content">at every street corner.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="LAM.4.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="LAM.4.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">How the precious children of Zion,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="LAM.4.2"><span class="content">once worth their weight in gold,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="LAM.4.2"><span class="content">are now considered as pots of clay,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="LAM.4.2"><span class="content">the work of a potter&#8217;s hands!</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="LAM.4.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="LAM.4.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Even jackals offer their breasts</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="LAM.4.3"><span class="content">to nurse their young,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="LAM.4.3"><span class="content">but my people have become heartless</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="LAM.4.3"><span class="content">like ostriches in the desert.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="LAM.4.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="LAM.4.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Because of thirst the infant&#8217;s tongue</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="LAM.4.4"><span class="content">sticks to the roof of its mouth;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="LAM.4.4"><span class="content">the children beg for bread,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="LAM.4.4"><span class="content">but no one gives it to them.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="LAM.4.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="LAM.4.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Those who once ate delicacies</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="LAM.4.5"><span class="content">are destitute in the streets.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="LAM.4.5"><span class="content">Those brought up in royal purple</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="LAM.4.5"><span class="content">now lie on ash heaps.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="LAM.4.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="LAM.4.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">The punishment of my people</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="LAM.4.6"><span class="content">is greater than that of Sodom,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="LAM.4.6"><span class="content">which was overthrown in a moment</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="LAM.4.6"><span class="content">without a hand turned to help her.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="LAM.4.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="LAM.4.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Their princes were brighter than snow</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="LAM.4.7"><span class="content">and whiter than milk,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="LAM.4.7"><span class="content">their bodies more ruddy than rubies,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="LAM.4.7"><span class="content">their appearance like lapis lazuli.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="LAM.4.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="LAM.4.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">But now they are blacker than soot;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="LAM.4.8"><span class="content">they are not recognized in the streets.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="LAM.4.8"><span class="content">Their skin has shriveled on their bones;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="LAM.4.8"><span class="content">it has become as dry as a stick.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="LAM.4.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="LAM.4.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Those killed by the sword are better off</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="LAM.4.9"><span class="content">than those who die of famine;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="LAM.4.9"><span class="content">racked with hunger, they waste away</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="LAM.4.9"><span class="content">for lack of food from the field.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="LAM.4.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="LAM.4.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">With their own hands compassionate women</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="LAM.4.10"><span class="content">have cooked their own children,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="LAM.4.10"><span class="content">who became their food</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="LAM.4.10"><span class="content">when my people were destroyed.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="LAM.4.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="LAM.4.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> has given full vent to his wrath;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="LAM.4.11"><span class="content">he has poured out his fierce anger.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="LAM.4.11"><span class="content">He kindled a fire in Zion</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="LAM.4.11"><span class="content">that consumed her foundations.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="LAM.4.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="LAM.4.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">The kings of the earth did not believe,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="LAM.4.12"><span class="content">nor did any of the peoples of the world,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="LAM.4.12"><span class="content">that enemies and foes could enter</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="LAM.4.12"><span class="content">the gates of Jerusalem.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="LAM.4.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="LAM.4.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">But it happened because of the sins of her prophets</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="LAM.4.13"><span class="content">and the iniquities of her priests,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="LAM.4.13"><span class="content">who shed within her</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="LAM.4.13"><span class="content">the blood of the righteous.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="LAM.4.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="LAM.4.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">Now they grope through the streets</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="LAM.4.14"><span class="content">as if they were blind.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="LAM.4.14"><span class="content">They are so defiled with blood</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="LAM.4.14"><span class="content">that no one dares to touch their garments.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="LAM.4.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="LAM.4.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">&#8220;Go away! You are unclean!&#8221; people cry to them.</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="LAM.4.15"><span class="content">&#8220;Away! Away! Don&#8217;t touch us!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="LAM.4.15"><span class="content">When they flee and wander about,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="LAM.4.15"><span class="content">people among the nations say,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="LAM.4.15"><span class="content">&#8220;They can stay here no longer.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="LAM.4.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="LAM.4.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> himself has scattered them;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="LAM.4.16"><span class="content">he no longer watches over them.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="LAM.4.16"><span class="content">The priests are shown no honor,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="LAM.4.16"><span class="content">the elders no favor.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="LAM.4.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="LAM.4.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Moreover, our eyes failed,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="LAM.4.17"><span class="content">looking in vain for help;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="LAM.4.17"><span class="content">from our towers we watched</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="LAM.4.17"><span class="content">for a nation that could not save us.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="LAM.4.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="LAM.4.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">People stalked us at every step,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="LAM.4.18"><span class="content">so we could not walk in our streets.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="LAM.4.18"><span class="content">Our end was near, our days were numbered,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="LAM.4.18"><span class="content">for our end had come.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="LAM.4.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="LAM.4.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">Our pursuers were swifter</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="LAM.4.19"><span class="content">than eagles in the sky;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="LAM.4.19"><span class="content">they chased us over the mountains</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="LAM.4.19"><span class="content">and lay in wait for us in the desert.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="LAM.4.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="LAM.4.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">&#8217;s anointed, our very life breath,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="LAM.4.20"><span class="content">was caught in their traps.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="LAM.4.20"><span class="content">We thought that under his shadow</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="LAM.4.20"><span class="content">we would live among the nations.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="LAM.4.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="LAM.4.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">Rejoice and be glad, Daughter Edom,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="LAM.4.21"><span class="content">you who live in the land of Uz.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="LAM.4.21"><span class="content">But to you also the cup will be passed;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="LAM.4.21"><span class="content">you will be drunk and stripped naked.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="LAM.4.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="LAM.4.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">Your punishment will end, Daughter Zion;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="LAM.4.22"><span class="content">he will not prolong your exile.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="LAM.4.22"><span class="content">But he will punish your sin, Daughter Edom,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="LAM.4.22"><span class="content">and expose your wickedness.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="b"></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkLAM">
      <div class="chapter ch5" data-usfm="LAM.5">
         <div class="label">5</div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="LAM.5.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Remember, </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, what has happened to us;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="LAM.5.1"><span class="content">look, and see our disgrace.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="LAM.5.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="LAM.5.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Our inheritance has been turned over to strangers,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="LAM.5.2"><span class="content">our homes to foreigners.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="LAM.5.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="LAM.5.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">We have become fatherless,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="LAM.5.3"><span class="content">our mothers are widows.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="LAM.5.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="LAM.5.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">We must buy the water we drink;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="LAM.5.4"><span class="content">our wood can be had only at a price.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="LAM.5.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="LAM.5.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Those who pursue us are at our heels;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="LAM.5.5"><span class="content">we are weary and find no rest.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="LAM.5.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="LAM.5.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">We submitted to Egypt and Assyria</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="LAM.5.6"><span class="content">to get enough bread.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="LAM.5.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="LAM.5.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Our ancestors sinned and are no more,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="LAM.5.7"><span class="content">and we bear their punishment.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="LAM.5.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="LAM.5.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Slaves rule over us,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="LAM.5.8"><span class="content">and there is no one to free us from their hands.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="LAM.5.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="LAM.5.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">We get our bread at the risk of our lives</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="LAM.5.9"><span class="content">because of the sword in the desert.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="LAM.5.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="LAM.5.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Our skin is hot as an oven,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="LAM.5.10"><span class="content">feverish from hunger.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="LAM.5.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="LAM.5.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Women have been violated in Zion,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="LAM.5.11"><span class="content">and virgins in the towns of Judah.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="LAM.5.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="LAM.5.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Princes have been hung up by their hands;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="LAM.5.12"><span class="content">elders are shown no respect.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="LAM.5.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="LAM.5.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Young men toil at the millstones;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="LAM.5.13"><span class="content">boys stagger under loads of wood.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="LAM.5.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="LAM.5.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">The elders are gone from the city gate;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="LAM.5.14"><span class="content">the young men have stopped their music.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="LAM.5.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="LAM.5.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">Joy is gone from our hearts;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="LAM.5.15"><span class="content">our dancing has turned to mourning.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="LAM.5.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="LAM.5.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">The crown has fallen from our head.</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="LAM.5.16"><span class="content">Woe to us, for we have sinned!</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="LAM.5.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="LAM.5.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Because of this our hearts are faint,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="LAM.5.17"><span class="content">because of these things our eyes grow dim</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="LAM.5.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="LAM.5.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">for Mount Zion, which lies desolate,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="LAM.5.18"><span class="content">with jackals prowling over it.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="LAM.5.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="LAM.5.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">You, </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, reign forever;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="LAM.5.19"><span class="content">your throne endures from generation to generation.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="LAM.5.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="LAM.5.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">Why do you always forget us?</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="LAM.5.20"><span class="content">Why do you forsake us so long?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="LAM.5.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="LAM.5.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">Restore us to yourself, </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, that we may return;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="LAM.5.21"><span class="content">renew our days as of old</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="LAM.5.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="LAM.5.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">unless you have utterly rejected us</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="LAM.5.22"><span class="content">and are angry with us beyond measure.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

PláčSample

Scripture

About this Plan

Related Plans