Large Spaces

Psalm 118:5 I called on the LORD in distress; The LORD answered me and set me in a broad place (KJV).

What’s he difference between stress and distress?

Stress: Stress is a natural physical and emotional response to a challenge. Some stress can be good—this is called positive stress (Eustress)—and it motivates you to perform better. For example, preparing for a test can be stressful, but that stress pushes you to study and be ready when test day arrives.

Distress: Distress, on the other hand, refers specifically to extreme or prolonged negative stress that overwhelms an individual's ability to cope. Distress is always negative and is often accompanied by feelings like anxiety, sadness, or helplessness. It can impair your ability to function, leading to burnout, mental health challenges like depression or anxiety, or even physical health problems.

The key difference lies in perception—distress often stems from situations perceived as uncontrollable or threatening.

Stress and Distress in God’s Plan. God allows us to go through stressful situations because they cause us to grow. Consider the lobster. As a lobster grows, it eventually outgrows its exoskeleton. When this happens, the lobster must shed the old shell in a process called molting. This shedding process is stressful—it’s a tight, uncomfortable place. But it’s necessary for the lobster to move into the next stage of growth.

The Tree of Life Version (TLV) Psalm 118:5 reflects this well:

"Out of a tight place, I called on Adonai—Adonai answered me with a spacious place."

After the lobster sheds its old shell, it enters a soft-shell stage. In this stage, the lobster is more comfortable, but it’s also vulnerable to predators. This is where stress can become distress—a moment of vulnerability where the lobster must rely on God’s protection to survive and thrive.

Metaphorically having spent time at the ocean’s depths, I’ve experienced places where the waters are murky, so dark you can’t see your hand in front of your mask. I’ve also encountered barracudas and sharks, moments that felt threatening. But then there are those open, broad places—quiet, peaceful, and safe.

Like the lobster, we can experience tight places and vulnerable stages, but God is faithful. He answers when we call, guiding us from distress into His broad, open spaces of peace and security.

When you feel overwhelmed by stress or distress, remember to call on the Lord. Like the lobster growing into a new shell, He uses your challenges to help you grow, even when it feels uncomfortable or threatening. Call on Him to bring you to the broad place of His peace and protection.

He is: Theos tēs elpidos

God of Hope

Blessings