Suffering due to mental disorders is one of the sufferings that humans experience after falling into sin. Because of sin, there is suffering, tears, difficulty, sadness, and hard work in the world. Suffering becomes a reality that humans must face. However, one thing we need to instill is: if suffering is within the Lord, then that suffering has meaning. The Bible offers a hope that "All things work together for good to those who love God." (Romans 8:28). All suffering in the Lord has a purpose, and it will bring good to those who love God. For He makes everything beautiful in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Suffering itself produces perseverance, and perseverance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope, which will not disappoint us because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (Romans 5:3-5).

So, for those who suffer from mental disorders or families of mental disorder sufferers, strengthen your hearts! Remember the Lord’s promise that:
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Everything will become beautiful in its time according to the Lord's promise. We know that there are many things in this life that remain a mystery. We can continue to hope that our body, soul, and spirit in this world will be increasingly restored, while hoping that one day we will meet face to face with the Lord Jesus Christ in a new heaven and earth with a perfect resurrection body. At that time, there will be no more suffering, sadness, sickness, tears, and death. The only reality will be that we will be with the Lord forever!

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. And I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.' He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!' Then He said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.' He said to me: 'It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.'" (Revelation 21:1-7)

I will close with a song by Rev. Stephen Tong that contains hope for brothers and sisters experiencing a dark night of the soul. Draw near to God, so that even in the raging storm, your life can continue to radiate a fragrance for the name of the Lord. Amen.

Great Hymn

Oh Lord, quickly pull me to follow You,
my heart is united with You.
Even as the wind blows and the storm rages
I will increasingly emit Your fragrance
Lord, You are the most beautiful, satisfying my heart,
You are mine and I am Yours.
Though waves roar and waves assail
I will always follow You
               (Source: KPRI 83. Lyrics and Song: Great Hymn, Stephen Tong)