Don’t be so hard on yourself. When you reflect on your goals and where you are in your life, focus on signs of progress. Every step nearer to your goal is a success—something you should celebrate and feel good about.

The ability to see is a miraculous gift. Do you use it to fully take in your surroundings or do you just glance around? When you look do you truly see? Today really look at your world, your family, your life—and smile at the gifts you have been given.

Do you long for an epiphany? Are you ready to make a big change in your life? Look up at the night sky and ask God for guidance. Be willing to follow whatever instructions or journey of discovery that God lays out before you.

Jesus promises that He will provide light and guidance when your life takes unexpected turns. Though you may not always understand why you must go through a difficult challenge, you can trust that His continuing presence will lead you through.

Poet Rainer Maris Rilke said, “If your daily life seems poor, do not blame it; blame yourself, tell yourself that you are not poet enough to call forth its riches; for to the creator there is no poverty and no poor indifferent place.” Make today the day when you call forth the riches of everyday life. Instead of being overwhelmed by your to-do list, move something that will bring you pleasure to the top of your list.

Are you living a life that qualifies as “good soil”? Is your heart open for His Word? Do you pray and allow His love and guidance to permeate your spirit, taking away worry and removing the parts of yourself that are no longer necessary?

Catherine Marshall said, “When you relinquish everything to God, you stop commanding and demanding God to do things for you. As long as you keep telling God what to do, He will honor your free will and will not violate it even to answer your prayer.”

It’s easy to get caught up in your surroundings—by looking at your cell phone or engaging in social media—and to almost forget about the beautiful world all around you. Today, instead of blurring out the background of your life, tune in and notice God’s awesome gifts, like the blooming flowers and chirping birds.

Dr. Norman Vincent Peale advised that when you need healing, do not think about the illness or condition. Instead, focus on God and His power to heal. Affirm over and over words of life, health, and strength. Steadfast prayer and faith in God are sure to bring results.

God is always true to His word. And in every difficult situation He is present, helping you through fearful times and guiding you to bring victory out of them.

The more you pray the more you realize God’s wisdom is greater than your own and His will more important than yours. When you make prayer a regular part of your day, it becomes easier to release control of the outcomes in your life and yield to His timing and glory.