Study: “Stronger . . . Faith” Leads to Better Well-Being

This Gallup study, looking at data from 2012–2022, found that:

People who are religious have better wellbeing than people who are not religious. . . .

In recent decades, numerous academic studies have found a positive relationship between spirituality, religion or faith and favorable health and wellbeing outcomes.

Specifically, spirituality has been linked to lower rates of depression, addiction and suicide.

As religion has precipitously declined in the West, it’s no surprise, based on these study results, that well-being has declined with it, and rates of depression, anxiety, and even suicide have skyrocketed. Now, why might religion—or at the least, spirituality—improve well-being? Well, the article suggested these reasons:

• Spirituality can help develop a sense of purpose and positive coping skills
• Spirituality can help create social connections
• Spirituality can help increase community and civic engagement
• Spirituality can help foster feelings of security and stability

And I would add:

• This is because we were designed for something (really Someone) outside of ourselves!

It’s worth noting that, while prayer and meditation to a vague God or gods may temporarily improve well-being and even lead to a longer, happier life, we are eternal souls and this life is not all there is!

Now, the article doesn’t really differentiate between different religions or forms of spirituality, but it’s worth noting that, while prayer and meditation to a vague God or gods may temporarily improve well-being and even lead to a longer, happier life, we are eternal souls and this life is not all there is! The Bible describes this temporal life this way:

• A breath (Psalm 144:4)
• Grass or flowers of the field (Psalm 103:15–16; 1 Peter 1:24)
• A mist (James 4:14)
• A wind (Psalm 78:39)
• A shadow (1 Chronicles 29:15; Psalm 144:4)
• A few handbreaths (Psalm 39:5)
• Few of days (Job 14:1)
• Vanity (Ecclesiastes 1:1–2)

Yes, this life is transient and will soon be over—but eternity awaits! And while practicing your religion of choice might make you happier in this life, unless it is grounded in the truth of the Word of the one true God, it won’t ultimately give what you need: eternal life with Christ (John 3:16, 14:6).

While God doesn’t promise that following Christ will improve your earthly well-being (though he does promise peace, joy, and hope!) or make your life one of ease and comfort, he does promise that in following him you will

• Have your thirst eternally quenched (John 4:14)
• Be satisfied (John 6:35)
• Become a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)
• Experience rest for your soul (Matthew 11:28)
• Be cleansed from all sin (1 John 1:9)
• Be free of condemnation (Romans 8:1)

Those who follow Christ receive eternal life in heaven with him forever! And there is no greater happiness or “well-being” than eternity with the King of kings in a restored creation free from death, suffering, and sin.

And, praise God, the greatest promise of all is this: those who follow Christ receive eternal life in heaven with him forever! And there is no greater happiness or “well-being” than eternity with the King of kings in a restored creation free from death, suffering, and sin.

Turn to Christ today. Not just for temporary well-being in this life, but for the hope of eternity and the joy of knowing, loving, and serving the Savior.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,
Ken

This item was written with the assistance of AiG’s research team.