Do you have the mistake of thinking that if everything isn’t going your way you can’t possibly feel gratitude for the things that are? Gratitude is in and of itself a form of peace. When you recognize simple blessings, you open your heart to feel God’s presence.

When you feel overwhelmed and burdened by your responsibilities take this verse to heart. Don’t try to handle everything by yourself. God is your protection, your solace, your comfort, and your refuge. Let Him flow in. Loosen your grip on the idea that you have to control everything and put the future into the hands of God.

Set aside time each morning for prayer. Share your plans for the day. If something is on your mind, be still and ask for His direction. Surrender any pressing expectations of the outcome and be open to His plan and His will. Listen for His answer.

The above verse shows that God brings His own people into the fire to refine them. He compares you to a precious metal, showing how the “fire of life,” the hot water, the challenges and difficult situations are for refinement. He is teaching and guiding you to think and live by His ways.

Devote a specific time every day to connect with God. It is best to begin your morning with prayer and align yourself with God’s will. Pray that your day serves Him by showering those around you with love, understanding and kindness. Ask Him to fill your spirit with His immense love.

Do you ever feel too small to matter to God? If you feel God has forgotten you, turn to Scripture and tell Him that you are ready to serve Him. Pour out your worries. God wants you to know that you can do wonderful, great things for His glory. He has instilled a specific and genuine purpose in you to thrive and contribute to His kingdom.

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.

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.