Dr. Norman Vincent Peale said, “A basic law: the more you practice the art of thankfulness, the more you have to be thankful for. This, of course, is a fact. Thankfulness does tend to reproduce in kind.” Each night, instead of rehashing the day or worrying about tomorrow, count your blessings and thank God for each of them.

When you feel that you’ve let God down, it can be difficult to find the right words to pray. Asking for His mercy is a perfect place to begin. You can’t change the past, but you can release your regrets to the Lord and begin anew today.

When something is causing you heartache, ask God to help you through it. When trials and troubles overwhelm you, trust that He will guide you through the ordeal. Remind yourself that from the perspective of a week or a month, a nagging problem usually vanishes from your mind.

It’s been said that no one can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending. Is there a change you need to make in your life? God is ready to meet you where you are today, to wrap you in His arms and help you begin anew.

When Jesus healed the deaf man, he yelled out, “Be opened!” When you are open to trusting God, you are receptive to His guidance, help and healing. God is faithful. If you find yourself shutting down and facing a crisis of faith, close your eyes and pray, “Be opened!”

If you are feeling restless, fill your mind with God’s Word. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). Let these verses sink deeply into your mind and spirit.

Jesus invites you to join Him and continue growing, learning and following Him throughout your life. Center your prayer life by reading and rereading the Bible. Develop new skills that will help you to be ready for any challenge.

As you reflect on your life, instead of being critical, be kind and recognize that you are a work in progress and are developing a better and deeper relationship with yourself and God. If you are struggling with a painful memory or a challenging problem, ask God to help you look ahead with hope.

The next time someone is unkind to you, instead of reacting with anger, practice self-control and find peace. Ask God to help you respond as Jesus would. Exchange good for evil, and try to turn your enemy into your friend.

In the above verse Peter asks Jesus why he can’t follow Him. Sometimes, a period of waiting is exactly what we need to get to the next level spiritually. Just as a caterpillar must rest and transform in a chrysalis, we must be patient and trust Him on our faith journey.