What does the Bible teach about the distress of sin?

In scripture, distress is often linked to our awareness of sin and its consequences. For example, Psalm 120 begins with the psalmist expressing his distress and turning to the Lord for help. This is reflective of the deeper understanding that when God saves sinners, they become distressed over their sins, as evidenced in Matthew 5:3, which states, 'Blessed are the poor in spirit.' This realization reveals our need for repentance and the grace that Christ provides. Distress can also propel us to cry out to God, as it reminds us of our utter dependency on Him for salvation and strength amidst life's challenges. Understanding and feeling this distress serves as a precursor to true repentance and intimate relationship with our Savior.