Isaiah 26:16-21

16Lord, in distress we searched for you. We prayed beneath the burden of your discipline.

17Just as a pregnant woman writhes and cries out in pain as she gives birth, so were we in your presence, Lord.

18We, too, writhe in agony, but nothing comes of our suffering. We have not given salvation to the earth, nor brought life into the world.

19But those who die in the Lord will live; their bodies will rise again! Those who sleep in the earth will rise up and sing for joy! For your life-giving light will fall like dew on your people in the place of the dead!

20Go home, my people, and lock your doors! Hide yourselves for a little while until the Lord’s anger has passed.

21Look! The Lord is coming from heaven to punish the people of the earth for their sins. The earth will no longer hide those who have been killed. They will be brought out for all to see.