It may be an anomaly of English, but it seems like many of the distressing words in English start with the letter D.
The dictionary informs us that de (and the closely related di and dis) is a prefix occurring in loanwords from Latin used to indicate privation, removal, separation, negation, descent, and reversal. Not a happy set of meanings!
Fortunately, the Bible has something to say about each of these words. (Credit for initiating this lists goes to my Wednesday morning prayer group; thanks friends!)
Darkness
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5
Death
And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” Rev 21:4
Debt
And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, By canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. Col 2:13-14
Defeat
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Rom 8:35-37
Demonic Oppression
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7
Depression
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:17-18
Despair
Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence. Psalm 42:5
Difficulties
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:12-13
Disappointment
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Rom 8:28
Disobedience
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
Discouragement
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deut 31:8
Doubt
And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Luke 24: 38-39
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