Prince of Peace

The Prince of Peace

A recent study by the Gallup organization revealed some concerning Mental Health trends. “Americans' latest assessment of their mental health is worse than it has been at any point in the last two decades,” Gallup reports.1

The primary contributing factor to the decline in mental health points to social isolation resulting from COVID-19 concerns and lockdowns. “A wave of new research suggests social separation is bad for us. Individuals with less social connection have disrupted sleep patterns, altered immune systems, more inflammation and higher levels of stress hormones. One recent study found that isolation increases the risk of heart disease by 29 percent and stroke by 32 percent.”2

This decline in mental health is consistent across the population with the exception of one notable group. “Forty-six percent of Americans who regularly attend religious services said their mental health is ‘excellent,' an increase from last year's 42%.”3

What does this study reveal? Christians that are still involved in fellowship are one of the only groups that have had an increase in mental health. The lockdowns, restrictions, and the uncertainties of the future have caused many Christians to reprioritize their faith and fellowship.

I cannot think of a season during my lifetime when the world had a greater need for peace. With so many declining in mental health, the absence of personal peace has never been more obvious.

This Sunday, we will celebrate the coming of the Prince of Peace. The coming of Jesus has changed everything!

In a world void of peace, “to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” -Isaiah 9:6

1- https://fee.org/articles/gallup-poll-americans-mental-health-hits-20-year-low-ahead-of-renewed-lockdowns/
2- Ibid.
3- https://disrn.com/news/gallup-frequent-church-goers-only-us-group-that-avoided-2020-mental-health-decline