Definition: And I said, My strength and my hope is perished from the LORD:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Lamentations 3:18. It's a really powerful and sad statement about feeling lost and hopeless. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says: “I feel like my strength and hope have completely disappeared – I don’t know how to get back up.” Let’s unpack that a little bit: “Lamentations” : This refers to a period of sadness and mourning after a significant loss or hardship. It's a time when people are grieving. “3:18” : This is the specific verse we’re looking at. "And I said..." : This shows that this isn’t just a thought; it’s a feeling of despair. The speaker is expressing their sorrow and hopelessness. "...My strength and my hope is perished from the LORD:" This is the core of the verse. Let's break down each part: “Strength” : This refers to power, ability, or resilience – something that helps you overcome challenges. “Hope” : This represents optimism, faith, and a belief in a better future. "Perished" : This is a really important word here. It means completely lost, destroyed, or gone away. It suggests something precious has been irrevocably damaged. So, putting it all together: The speaker is admitting that they feel utterly without power and faith – like their ability to overcome anything has vanished. They’re feeling incredibly hopeless and despairing. What does this mean in a big picture? This verse often speaks to times of great difficulty – loss, betrayal, hardship, or disappointment. It's a reminder that even when things seem darkest, God is still in control and offers strength and hope through His people. It’s a call for faith and trust. In short, it’s a deeply personal expression of feeling overwhelmed by adversity. --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of Lamentations 3:18 in more detail (e.g., who wrote it, when)?