You are no doubt experiencing a psychological disorder known as “schizophrenia.” This is one of many mental illnesses that people throughout the world have experienced, including Christians. The cause is still unknown yet it can be treated (at times with great success) with medications.

Is it the will of God or a punishment, you ask? I am in no position to make a judgment call on that. We can say that “God is ALLOWING this to happen,” but I would never presume that God is punishing you for some sin in your life. You say you have “prayed for it many times but it is still there.” This reminds me of an experience the Apostle Paul had shortly after he had been blessed with a vision in heaven. In 2n Corinthians 12:7-8 we read, “Because of the greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself. Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me” (NASB). We learn here that Paul was given “a thorn in the flesh” to keep him from becoming proud and exalting himself. We don’t know exactly what this affliction was, but some have thought it might have been a “mental disease” of some sort. This was such a trial for Paul that he prayed three times for the Lord to remove it. What was the Lord’s response to Paul’s prayer? Verse 9 provides the answer, “And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (NKJV). The Lord’s will was NOT to remove the affliction, but to give Paul the strength to endure it.

I surely sympathize with you in this trial and I will pray for you as the Lord brings you to mind. I would encourage you to keep praying, for the Lord CAN surely heal you, if it is His will. We read in Matthew 4:23, “Jesus went about all Galilee…healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.” By quoting this verse I’m not saying that the Lord Jesus is still healing all people who ask Him to be healed; I’m simply saying that HE IS ABLE TO HEAL if it is according to His will. Yet as with the example of Paul, sometimes it is not His will to heal, but rather to use the affliction to teach us lessons and to give us His strength to go through the trial. I would also encourage you to seek out medical help, for the Lord also uses natural means to help us in our physical infirmities. In 1st Timothy 5:23 Paul told Timothy to “use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.”

Again, I will be praying for you. I was once afflicted with depression so I know how devastating a mental disorder can be. I have also known many dear friends and loved ones who have suffered with other mental disorders such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We may not understand why God allows these things to happen, but if we are a child of God we can surely trust Him in the trial and know that He is allowing it for a reason. When I was in a state of depression, there were two passages that I found to be extremely comforting and they literally kept me from losing my mind. The first one is Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and LEAN NOT ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” The second passage is one of the most well-known verses in the Bible. I’m speaking of Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

For further help, please click on these AFTB links that also deal with this subject.

https://answersfromthebook.net/can-god-heal-mental-illness-and-does-he/

https://answersfromthebook.net/does-the-bible-say-anything-about-schizophrenic-people-or-something-similar/ (309.5) (DO)