May has arrived—and with it, a flurry of activity. Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, and even the old tradition of May Day. Then there are graduations, end-of-year school programs, field trips, awards nights, and sports banquets. Let’s not forget Teacher Appreciation Week—something teachers look forward to even more than the students do!
But May isn’t just about busyness. Since 1949, it has also been recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month.
There’s growing concern today about mental health across all ages—children, teens, adults in midlife, and older adults. The truth is, just about everyone is feeling it.
Years ago, I became curious about a field called Positive Psychology. Unlike traditional psychology, which often focuses on dysfunction, Positive Psychology studies the science behind human flourishing. What makes life worth living? What leads to greater well-being? As I explored the research, I wasn’t surprised— but still deeply moved—by how often the Bible had already pointed the way.
Here are some of the key insights from science— and Scripture:
Gratitude Transforms Perspective Gratitude isn’t just a fleeting feeling. It’s a mindset that reshapes how we experience the world. A landmark study by Robert Emmons and Michael McCullough (2003) showed that participants who kept gratitude journals felt more optimistic, slept better, and had an overall higher sense of well-being than those who focused on life’s hassles.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)
Purpose Promotes Longevity and Health Living with a sense of purpose is one of the most powerful predictors of physical and mental well-being. Research from the University of Michigan (Hill & Turiano, 2014) found that individuals with a strong sense of life purpose lived longer and enjoyed better health.
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” — Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) Growth Mindset Builds Resilience Psychologist Carol Dweck’s research shows that those with a growth mindset—the belief that abilities can improve through effort—are more likely to succeed and recover from setbacks. They view challenges as opportunities for growth.
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” — Romans 5:3–4 (NIV)
Relationships Are Key to Happiness We are hardwired for connection. Harvard’s 85-year Study of Adult Development revealed that the quality of our relationships is the single biggest predictor of long-term happiness and health. Those most connected to family, friends, and community lived longer and stayed sharper mentally—regardless of wealth or social status.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
The Central Point
Gratitude rewires your brain. Purpose gets you out of bed. A growth mindset keeps you moving forward. And relationships? They are your anchor in life’s storms. Here’s the beauty of it all: You don’t need a stack of self-help books to discover these truths. Scripture has taught them for centuries—science is just now catching up.
Jesus didn’t say, “I came so you could just get by.”
He said: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” — John 10:10 (NIV)
