Be patient with your feelings. Responding to someone in the heat of the moment can escalate situations that could be avoided with time. When your impulse is to immediately respond, wait a minute or two. Pray for your words to bring healing.

Do you have a long list of questions for when you get to heaven? Experiences and situations that you just can’t understand—the whys that are beyond your comprehension? Pray for patience. In the words of poet Rainer Maria Rilke, “Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves.”

Alleluia! What a fitting and fun word to say, to sing, to embody. Today, say it out loud. Shout it out in your house, in the car, when you see a gorgeous sunset. Let it fill you like a deep cleansing breath. Praise Him for all He is!

Let go of the fear of making mistakes, and accept that trial and error is a part of life and learning. God is the creator, the whisperer of new ideas, inventions and relationships. Listen to Him, let go of judgment and allow yourself to make new mistakes.

God is with you, even when life’s chaos overshadows your focus on Him. His light shines on your life, on every single situation you face. There is no need to worry or feel vulnerable because you are not alone.

As you approach your day, be open to unexpected plans that God has made for you. Trust that a schedule change or an unanticipated appointment, phone call or any other interruption may be part of a bigger plan than you could have ever imagined on your own.

Jonah was angry and tired, wanting to die—absorbed in his own feelings when God gave him a lesson of compassion and taught him the value of caring for others. God had patience and saved Jonah from himself, not once but twice. God’s love for us is boundless.

A true test of your faith and spiritual maturity is not your actions but your reactions when things go wrong. When you trust God, you know that He can turn your mistakes and problems into blessings.

It has been said that anything worth pursuing takes time. When you are in the midst of waiting for a situation to unfold—or patiently anticipating God’s answer—know that you are building the valuable qualities of strength and trust and affirming that God hears you and knows what is best.

God’s heavenly presence is present—in the sky, the warmth of the sun, a great idea. His beauty and love are all around us. Pay attention. Notice His blessings! His messages of love are always there.

Living a life of faith is the center of glorifying God. Ask God to help you shine His light through works of service. Worship His Word, and allow it to enter your heart and mind. Have hope about your future, and strive to keep your spiritual life on track.

Stephen’s last words are a final prayer of complete selflessness. Examine your prayer life—does it center on your own needs or reflect the needs of those around you? Fill your heart with compassion and pray on behalf of those who need it.