Definition and Context
The term "distressing" refers to experiences or situations that cause anxiety, sorrow, or pain. In the biblical context, distress often arises from external circumstances, spiritual struggles, or divine discipline. It is a common theme throughout Scripture, reflecting the human condition and the challenges faced by God's people.

Old Testament References
In the Old Testament, distress is frequently associated with the trials faced by the Israelites. For example, during their bondage in Egypt, the Israelites cried out to God in their distress, and He responded by sending Moses to deliver them (Exodus 3:7-8). The Psalms often express personal and communal distress, as seen in Psalm 18:6 : "In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for His help reached His ears."

The Book of Judges recounts cycles of distress due to Israel's disobedience, followed by deliverance when they repented and cried out to God (Judges 2:18). Distress is also a theme in the prophetic books, where it is sometimes portrayed as a consequence of sin and a call to repentance (Isaiah 30:19).

New Testament References
In the New Testament, distress is often linked to persecution and trials faced by believers. Jesus warned His disciples of coming distress, encouraging them to remain faithful (Matthew 24:9). The Apostle Paul frequently wrote about his own experiences of distress, yet he found strength in Christ. In 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 , Paul states, "We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed."

The New Testament also emphasizes the role of distress in spiritual growth. James 1:2-4 encourages believers to "consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."

Theological Significance
Distress in the Bible is often a catalyst for spiritual growth and reliance on God. It serves as a reminder of human frailty and the need for divine intervention. The Scriptures consistently portray God as a refuge and strength in times of distress (Psalm 46:1). Believers are encouraged to cast their anxieties on Him, trusting in His care and provision (1 Peter 5:7).

Practical Application
For Christians, distress is an opportunity to deepen their faith and trust in God. It is a call to prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit for comfort and guidance. The biblical response to distress involves seeking God's presence, meditating on His promises, and maintaining hope in His deliverance. As Romans 8:28 assures, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose."

Conclusion
While distress is an inevitable part of life, the Bible provides assurance that God is present in the midst of it. Through faith and perseverance, believers can find peace and strength, knowing that their trials are not in vain but serve a greater purpose in God's plan.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Distress.

2. (a.) Causing distress; painful; unpleasant.

3. (adv.) In a distressing manner.

7451a. ra -- bad, evil
... 2), badly (1), deadly (1), defamed* (1), defames* (1), defect* (1), destroying
(1), displease* (1), displeased (1), displeasing (1), distressing (1), evil (124 ...
/hebrew/7451a.htm - 6k

After This, Wishing to Prove that the Occurrences which Befell Him ...
... Chapter XXIV. After this, wishing to prove that the occurrences which befell
Him were painful and distressing? After this, wishing ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xxiv after this wishing.htm

He Continues in this Strain: "If He had Determined Upon These ...
... manifest that, being a God, and submitting voluntarily, those things that were done
agreeably to his own decision were neither painful nor distressing." But he ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xxiii he continues in.htm

Nehemiah, the Praying Builder
... The distressing information was given him that the walls were broken down, the gates
were burned with fire, and the remnant who were left there at the ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/viii nehemiah the praying builder.htm

The Character and Supports of Widows Indeed.
... In such cases a widowed state is a release from the trials and difficulties
which attended it, which may be severe and distressing. ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxiv the character and.htm

Psalm 143. Complaint of Heavy Afflictions in Mind and Body.
... 8 The night is witness to my tears, Distressing pains, distressing fears; O might
I hear thy morning voice, How would my weary'd powers rejoice! ...
/.../watts/the psalms of david/psalm 143 complaint of heavy.htm

To Eugraphia.
... I know indeed how distressing is the separation, how most distressing; and especially
so when affection is made stronger by sympathy of character and length of ...
/.../theodoret/the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/lxix to eugraphia.htm

Epistle xxi. To Constantina Augusta .
... though all the acts of that synod were abrogated, being disallowed by the Apostolic
See,"the most serene lord gives me a somewhat distressing intimation, in ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xxi to constantina augusta.htm

Psalm 143 Complaint of Heavy Afflictions in Mind and Body.
... Make haste to help before I die. The night is witness to my tears,. Distressing
pains, distressing fears; O might I hear thy morning voice,. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/psalm 143 complaint of heavy.htm

Whether Evil is Properly the Motive of Mercy?
... being something pertaining to "misery," is, in the first way, anything contrary
to the will's natural appetite, namely corruptive or distressing evils, the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether evil is properly the.htm

To Olympias. Do not be Anxious on My Behalf, nor Rack Yourself ...
... Nevertheless when he heard these things, and others before these which were also
distressing; for they too had perished in a distressing way; flocks and whole ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/to olympias do not be.htm

Distressing (8 Occurrences)
... n.) of Distress. 2. (a.) Causing distress; painful; unpleasant. 3. (adv.) In a
distressing manner. Multi-Version Concordance Distressing (8 Occurrences). ...
/d/distressing.htm - 9k

Distresses (20 Occurrences)

/d/distresses.htm - 12k

Distribute (23 Occurrences)

/d/distribute.htm - 14k

Needful (17 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Full of need; in need or want; needy;
distressing. 2. (a.) Necessary for supply or relief; requisite. ...
/n/needful.htm - 11k

Warring (13 Occurrences)
... vision of night, hath been The multitude of all the nations Who are warring against
Ariel, And all its warriors, and its bulwark, Even of those distressing her ...
/w/warring.htm - 11k

Thirsty (38 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Feeling thirst; having a painful or distressing
sensation from want of drink; hence, having an eager desire. ...
/t/thirsty.htm - 18k

Recoil (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vi) To draw back, as from anything repugnant,
distressing, alarming, or the like; to shrink. 2. (vi ...
/r/recoil.htm - 7k

Enmity (23 Occurrences)
... diligently hearken to his voice, and hast done all that which I speak, then I have
been at enmity with thine enemies, and have distressed those distressing thee ...
/e/enmity.htm - 15k

Matter (263 Occurrences)
... no matter, and the like. 6. (n.) Inducing cause or occasion, especially of
anything disagreeable or distressing; difficulty; trouble. ...
/m/matter.htm - 39k

Painful (18 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Full of pain; causing uneasiness or distress,
either physical or mental; afflictive; disquieting; distressing. ...
/p/painful.htm - 11k

Is EMDR therapy something a Christian can consider? | GotQuestions.org

Should a Christian consult horoscopes? | GotQuestions.org

Why did Jesus say “Father, forgive them” on the cross? | GotQuestions.org

Distressing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus