Definition: Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: [yet] surely my judgment [is] with the LORD, and my work with my God.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 49:4. It’s a really powerful and thought-provoking statement about God’s relationship with His people. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that the author of the Bible (Isaiah) feels frustrated and defeated after spending all their effort on something that isn’t working. He acknowledges that his efforts have been wasted, and he’s feeling hopeless. But then, he declares that God has a plan for everything, and ultimately, God's judgment is with Him – meaning God is in control and knows exactly what’s best. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Then I said, I have laboured in vain…” : This means the author feels like they’ve put a lot of effort into something that isn't producing any results. They feel like their efforts are wasted. “…I have spent my strength for nought…” : This emphasizes that their time and energy were completely used up without a return. It’s like throwing good money after bad. “and in vain:” : This repetition highlights the futility of their efforts. “[yet] surely my judgment [is] with the LORD…” : This is a crucial part. "Surely" means with certainty and conviction. It’s not just a guess; God has already made a decision about what will happen. “With the Lord” signifies that God's plan is complete and perfect. “and my work with my God:” : This emphasizes that their work, their efforts, are all directed towards fulfilling God’s purpose. Putting it All Together: Isaiah 49:4 essentially says: "I’ve spent all my energy on something that isn't working, and I feel like God is judging me for wasting my time. But God knows exactly what He wants to do, and His judgment is with Him – meaning He is in control." What it means generally: The verse speaks to the idea of God’s sovereignty – that He is in charge and that we are part of His plan. It's a reminder that even when things don't seem to be working, there's a higher purpose being fulfilled by God. It can also suggest a sense of awe and humility because we recognize that our lives are ultimately part of something much larger than ourselves. In short, it’s about trust in God’s plan, even when things look difficult. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Connect this verse to a specific story or theme from the Bible? Give you another example of how this verse might be used?