Isaiah 26:17
Like as a woman with child, that draweth near the time of her delivery, is in pain, and crieth out in her pangs; so have we been in thy sight, O LORD. Like as a woman with child, that draweth near the time of her delivery, is in pain, and crieth out in her pangs; so have we been in thy sight, O LORD.
The travail described belongs to the preparation God provides by grace for His people. Pardon and the removal of sins open access to the riches of His glory. That cleansing work makes them ready for the wedding feast. The pangs are therefore not without purpose, but lead through forgiving grace into fitness for His presence and celebration.