What Does It Mean That Suffering Has an Existential and Spiritual Dimension?

Suffering has an existential and spiritual dimension when it wounds not only the body or emotions, but touches the meaning of life, conscience, hope, and a person's relationship with God. Such an experience raises profound questions: “Why am I living?”, “Why did this happen to me?”, “Does my pain matter?”, and “Has the Lord forsaken me?”

Existential Pain: When the Ground Beneath You Shakes

Suffering is called existential when it is linked to the very fact of human existence. It manifests with particular intensity during illness, the loss of loved ones, war, loneliness, guilt, or confronting death. A person may have a home, a job, and outward well-being, yet feel an inner emptiness and an inability to see the future.

Such pain does not always signify weak faith. Even a believer may ask where God is and why He allows trying circumstances. The Psalms honestly reflect this experience: biblical faith does not forbid crying, being afraid, or bringing one's questions to God. The Lord does not despise a broken heart, but draws near to it.

“The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.” Ps 34:18

Spiritual Suffering: The State of the Heart Before God

Spiritual suffering concerns not merely religious feelings, but a person’s inner life before the Creator. It can manifest as feelings of guilt over sin, shame, loss of peace, doubting God's love, resentment toward God, or the sense that prayers are not reaching heaven. Sometimes a person grieves not only because of pain, but also because they realize their own distance from God.

It is important to distinguish between the convicting work of the Holy Spirit and destructive despair. The Holy Spirit reveals sin to lead to repentance, forgiveness, and new life. Despair, however, convinces a person that there is no longer any hope for them. The Gospel refutes this lie: Christ came specifically to the weary, the wounded, and the guilty. He does not promise that a Christian will never face tribulation, but He promises His victory and His presence.

“In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

What This Means in Light of Revelation 9

The narrative of Revelation 9 depicts terrifying judgments, imagery of torment, fear, and helplessness. They should not be reduced merely to physical pain: the text also reveals the moral and spiritual desolation of humanity. Despite the plagues experienced, many people were unwilling to turn away from idolatry, violence, and sin. Thus, the deepest tragedy lies not only in suffering, but in the hardening of the heart that refuses to accept God's call.

“But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols...” Rev 9:20–21

From an Adventist perspective, prophecies are not given to paralyze with fear. They reveal the gravity of the great controversy between Christ and Satan, and at the same time show that God desires the salvation of people. Suffering can expose false foundations, but it does not have to destroy faith: it is capable of leading a person to a sincere search for the Lord.

God Does Not Leave You Alone

When words fail in prayer, God does not turn away. The Holy Spirit sustains the believer precisely in their weakness. This does not always mean the immediate removal of the problem, yet it means God's real presence, the strength to endure the day, and a hope that does not depend solely on circumstances.

“Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Rom 8:26

Ellen White repeatedly emphasized that Christ sympathizes with human pain and ministers not only to the needs of the body, but also to the needs of the soul. In the book The Ministry of Healing, she presents holistic biblical healing: physical, mental, and spiritual. Therefore, turning to a pastor, a mature church community, a doctor, or a counselor is not a lack of faith; it can be one of the channels of God's care.

Conclusion and Practical Steps

Existential and spiritual suffering means that pain has touched the profound questions of meaning, hope, guilt, death, and God. Christ does not shame a person for these questions; rather, He invites us to bring our broken hearts to Him. Today, you can take three practical steps: honestly name your pain to God in prayer, read a psalm of hope, and speak with a trusted spiritual mentor or professional if the despair becomes overwhelming. Do not isolate yourself: God’s grace often reaches us through His Word, prayer, and the care of others.