For as far back as I can remember life expectancy in the U.S. has been on the rise.
It seems like every year you'd hear a report that men and women could expect -- on average -- to live a little bit longer than previously.
And it was just kind of assumed that the trend would continue.
Well that's changed.
Life expectancy in the US is now in decline.
According to the Center for Disease Control, longevity in our country has been dropping for three years in a row.
And the reason?
Suicides and drug overdoses are significantly up.
As disturbing as this is, it's not entirely surprising....
Here in the U.S. we've effectively scrubbed God from public life...
And culturally, we've pushed the lie that the accumulation of money and things will make you happy.
Consequently, more and more people are finding their lives to be empty... and without hope or meaning.
And an increasing number are choosing to escape their emptiness through suicide or drugs.
All of this, of course, points to the need to uncover the truth that God has created us all for a purpose...
... and that the way to find hope and meaning each day is to walk in the redemption found in Jesus Christ... and pursue the mission He has given each of us.
With despairing lives all around us, living this out is more important than ever.