Distress

In the Bible, the term "distress" often refers to a state of emotional, physical, or spiritual suffering and anguish. This concept is frequently associated with overwhelming situations that lead to feelings of despair, helplessness, or affliction. For example, in Psalm 34:19, it is written, "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all." Here, "afflictions" can be understood as a form of distress that the faithful may endure, yet it also emphasizes God's promise of deliverance.The Hebrew word for distress, often represented as "tsarah" (צָרָה), conveys the idea of tightness or being pressed in, which signifies a sense of confinement and trouble (see Deuteronomy 4:30). In the New Testament, the Greek term "thlipsis" (θλῖψις) is used to describe tribulation or pressure, as seen in John 16:33, where Jesus says, "In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." Both the Old and New Testament contexts highlight distress as a common human experience, yet they also point to the hope and comfort found in faith and reliance on God during such times of trouble.

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