A journey of the soul – Day 21

It is official. Research done in the USA as well as in Europe has concluded that religious people are much happier and content with life than people who have no religion. It has also been found that religion does not limit one’s capacity for happiness.

Statistics also show that people who are actively involved in a church or community of faith are considerably happier than atheists, non-believers and those who are religious in name only.

It was also found that the aged, who have a solid faith, accept their circumstances much easier than those who do not belief – even if they are struggling. One old friend once said that when she feels down, she just sings one of her favourite hymns to cheer herself up. My own mother, who suffered from dementia for a couple of years before she passed away, expressed her joy until the end of her life by constantly singing: “This is my story, this is my song, praising my Saviour all the day long.”

Religion does not only make you feel better; it also has a strong influence on your mental health. Teens who regularly attend church, have a much smaller chance of going off the rails and abusing liquor or drugs, while adults who go to church experience fewer divorces, a lower suicide rate, and even live a longer and healthier life.

Beware! Faith is no guarantee for a problem-free life. Jesus and his disciples were not spared emotions such as anger, heartbreak, pain and suffering. However, believing offers us a bond with a community of believers who care for you. Think about the many times you were sick and your church prayed for you, or you did it for someone in your Bible study group.

In a time when people, increasingly, are struggling to find meaning in their life, faith meets all of our basic spiritual needs. It gives meaning and a purpose to your life. It provides you with three of the most important ingredients for happiness: something to live by, something to live for and something to die for.