Psychologist and professor Jean Twenge noted some factors connected to eighth graders feeling happier or more depressed. The leading habits connected with being sad—lots of time on social media and the internet. The leading habits connected with happiness—exercising and attending religious services.
It makes sense. Online we take selfies and find the filter that makes us look our best. We compare our lives to the highlights of their lives. But when we attend a worship service, we think about how much God is worth. We think about Jesus. Look in a mirror, and you’ll see a sinner. Look at the cross, and you’ll see a Savior. Look at yourself, and you’ll always have to wonder if you’re enough. Look at Jesus, and you’ll never have to wonder, for he is enough.
Paul wrote about the life-giving power of focusing on the eternal God: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
In this life, there are no quick fixes for anxiety and fear. But fixing our eyes on Jesus is the best way not to lose heart. Whether you are attending a worship service or meditating on this devotion, remember the eternal blessings that are yours because of Jesus’ cross and empty tomb. Because faith is the best remedy for our fears.
