“When the Lord has given you rest from your pain and turmoil and the hard service with which you were made to serve” (Isaiah 14:3)

God’s people were made to serve their enemies. They were given over because of their sin. It resulted in their pain, turmoil, and hard service. Sin is a problem and causes problems. The people went after other gods. They thought that’s what they wanted. It resulted in pain, turmoil, and hard service.

Don’t do it to yourself. Don’t cause yourself pain and suffering. Yes, other people’s sin can cause the righteous pain and turmoil, but it’s much better to suffer for the sake of righteousness and have a reward in it than to suffer for your own sin. God will use it for your good and training and building up and will restore you when the time is right, but better to not cause the trouble in the first place where we can avoid it.

Again, going into debt is an example. Don’t cause yourself the pain. Certainly, other sins could be listed there. The moment of pleasure or relief can cause lasting damage. Don’t go there.

There was a time for God’s people of “unrelenting persecution.” God’s people may face that again. Some face that now. It will end. There’s an end to labor pains.

This is what it will look like when it ends, or maybe I should say, what it will sound like. “The whole earth is at rest and quiet; they break forth into singing.” That’s verse 7.

The Lord will bring the whole earth to a place of rest, to a place of peace and quiet. When the world recognizes what the Lord has accomplished in so doing, they will break out into rejoicing. What a day that will be! What a feeling it will be to be globally united with all people everywhere in rejoicing in the glory of the Lord!

Hasten the day, Lord!