Why do people believe in god?

I was raised catholic, but I can't help but question the religion. What do people get out of worshiping god? It's not like he personally helps you. I know MANY people who have difficult lives and go through nothing but confusion and despair yet they are still firm believers in god. Some people say it's because you get a "pure" and "happy" feeling after you go to confession and pray and stuff, but that's not the case for me. I guess I just want to know what comes out of believing in god? Other than the *chance* of a blissful afterlife