17 I have been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is.
17 my soul is bereft of peace; I have forgotten what happiness
17 I gave up on life altogether. I've forgotten what the good life is like.
17 You have moved my soul far from peace; I have forgotten prosperity.
17 Peace has been stripped away, and I have forgotten what prosperity is.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Lamentations 3:17
Commentary on Lamentations 3:1-20
(Read Lamentations 3:1-20)
The prophet relates the more gloomy and discouraging part of his experience, and how he found support and relief. In the time of his trial the Lord had become terrible to him. It was an affliction that was misery itself; for sin makes the cup of affliction a bitter cup. The struggle between unbelief and faith is often very severe. But the weakest believer is wrong, if he thinks that his strength and hope are perished from the Lord.