Despair Death

In 2015, two economists from Princeton came up with the term “death by despair” after noticing a decline in the life expectancy of people in the United States towards the end of the 20th century. Death rates increased due to drug overdoses, suicide, and alcoholic liver disease. These causes claimed the lives of over 70,000 people.

The researchers found that the things that once gave life meaning, such as having a good job, a stable home life, and a voice in the community, have all been eroded. They also noted that those who died of despair abandoned religion, leaving them without an anchor to hold onto.

Country singer Jason Aldean captured this dilemma in his song titled “Church Pew or Bar Stool.” For many, that is the choice.

The Hebrew writer’s urgency resonates with our society today:

“We should consider how to encourage one another to love and do good deeds. We should not neglect meeting together, as some people do, but rather encourage one another, especially as the Day of judgment approaches.” (Hebrews 10:24–25, ESV)

We need encouragement and motivation from those who have heaven as their goal. Our choices fall when we neglect this.

The tragedy is many succumb to death by despair. Instead, find hope in Christ and seek encouragement from one another. It is the only way to live.