If I still were able to believe in an omnipotent being who loves me beyond measure and has a plan for my life, things might not be better, but at least the bad parts of life would be easier to understand.

And that, I think, is a central reason why religion in general, Christianity in particular, is so prevalent in the world. To be atheist or agnostic takes an expected exertion of willpower for the rest of your life, because you can't depend on someone else, or second chances after death; this one life is all you've got, and your choices are your own.