Religion and optimism

Have you noticed how much is thought and said these days about the pressures people are under — pressures that often lead to mood swings, bouts of depression, and so forth?

It’s common for individuals to draw upon their own strength and willpower to meet life’s challenges.  During tough times, though, I’ve found it helpful to remember Christ Jesus’ compassionate words:

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

The Greek word here for “rest” means “to refresh.”  For me, this carries a real sense of optimism and renewal.  And it’s this feeling of refreshment and optimism that came to mind when I heard about a report published this month in Springer’s Journal of Religion and Health.  It finds that regular attendance at religious services is linked to a more optimistic outlook on life and a lesser tendency to be depressed.

The report is called, “Psychological and Social Characteristics Associated with Religiosity in Women’s Health Initiative Participants.”  In it, researchers from Yeshiva University examined data from 92,539 postmenopausal women who participated in the Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study.  The report cites, among other things, that those who routinely attend services are 56% more likely to view life positively than those who do not, and 27% less likely to be depressed.

Interestingly, the researchers didn’t verify the women’s religions.  They also noted that because the report focuses solely on older women, the findings may or may not apply to younger people or to men.  Nevertheless, the lead researcher had this to say:

“We looked at the religious practices of nearly 100,000 women and — like it or not — found a strong connection between going to church or synagogue or any other house of worship and a positive outlook on life.” (read more)

These findings really don’t surprise me.  Over the years, I’ve witnessed countless instances where faithful attendance at church services and related functions — by women and men — has promoted a greater sense of happiness, health, and security.  The way I see it, despite life’s struggles, when we look to God for inspiration and attain a more spiritual outlook to our lives, we can find a higher degree of purpose and meaning in everything we do.

And that's true refreshment!

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)