Everything that God does for us is out of love. Often we misunderstand His intentions and see the world through a lens of judgement or punishment—and we adopt that same viewpoint of judging others or seeing a downward turn of life’s circumstances as the result of wrongdoing. Instead, shift your view to reflect on God’s intention of shaping our actions and intentions to come from a place of love and compassion.

As we enter into bathing suit season, the time of year when you might be tempted to look in the mirror and judge your reflection, shift your focus to the above verse. If you find yourself being critical, recognize that God designed every part of you. You are His masterpiece! You are His child.

When you feel alone or lonely reflect on the above verse. God invites you to turn to Him in prayer. He offers comfort and support. He will meet you in life’s lonely places and give you the peace, rest and sense of belonging you desire.

The Old Testament uses the name Jehovahjireh meaning “God Will Provide.” Like Abraham, you can be confident that God will provide the resources to fill your needs. When you turn to Him in prayer, there is no doubting or hesitation, because your faith is larger than your circumstance.

When you feel tired and need a boost of God’s goodness, ask Him to fill you with His strength and inspire you with divine energy. He will give you the courage and confidence that you need to keep going.

When you are faced with a problem, instead of closing down in disbelief or anger, open your mind and your heart to Jesus. Lay your fears at His feet. Praise Him for His grace and His infinite love that will lead you into glory.

In the parable of the Lost Sheep, the shepherd leaves his flock to find the one that is lost. When you feel alone and distant from God, know that it is never too late to turn to Him. He has compassion for those who are lost. In the words of James 4:8, “Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you.”

Often, during life’s darkest times, we experience a glimpse of the divine that significantly changes our perspective and helps deepen our faith. During the grief of losing a loved one, or facing a serious illness, God will give signs that you are not alone. He will let you know that there is nothing to fear because when everything around you seems dark, it is easiest to see the light.

In the above verse, Jesus directed the blind man to go into the water without explanation. The man followed His words and both his physical and spiritual eyes were opened. When you have the faith to follow God’s divine instructions—not because of an end goal, but because you believe and trust His guidance—you experience the blessing of spiritual sight.

Bible scholars have translated the above verse in many different ways, but essentially the meaning remains the same. What is the purpose of life? How should we spend our finite time on earth? Of course, the answer is to use our time to grow spiritually, to nurture our relationship with God.

When the unexpected strikes, instead of filling your mind with worry, take a deep breath and say, “I trust You, God.” Redirect your feelings of being out of control and focus on letting go and trusting the One who cares deeply for you.

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.