36. if they twist justice in the courts—doesn’t the Lord see all these things?
37. Who can command things to happenwithout the Lord’s permission?
38. Does not the Most Highsend both calamity and good?
39. Then why should we, mere humans, complainwhen we are punished for our sins?
40. Instead, let us test and examine our ways.Let us turn back to the lord.
41. Let us lift our hearts and handsto God in heaven and say,
42. “We have sinned and rebelled,and you have not forgiven us.
43. “You have engulfed us with your anger, chased us down,and slaughtered us without mercy.
44. You have hidden yourself in a cloudso our prayers cannot reach you.
45. You have discarded us as refuse and garbageamong the nations.
46. “All our enemieshave spoken out against us.
47. We are filled with fear,for we are trapped, devastated, and ruined.”
48. Tears stream from my eyesbecause of the destruction of my people!
49. My tears flow endlessly;they will not stop