No matter what today holds or tomorrow brings, you can be confident and encouraged if you recognize difficulties help shape your faith. Each challenge and every problem draws you closer to God, and as you pray, you see His goodness in a new light.

In the above verse, the prophet Isaiah describes the kind of service God favors. He values and uses your willing and generous acts to help those in need. He honors all who help build the powerful positive forces in His kingdom.

As the flowers bloom and gardens burst with bounty, weeds are also thriving, so it makes sense to reflect on your faith. Has anything crept into your life—unhealthy thoughts or habits—that needs weeding out? It’s important to nurture your relationship with God by removing anything that separates you from Him.

God is always protecting His children. Yet despite His watchful care, there are times when you and your loved ones will experience heartache and difficulties. When you are facing tough times, trust that He is watching over you and helping you through hardship.

The apostle Paul explains that God’s power is made possible because of your weakness. The areas of your life, and the parts of your body that you feel are weak, give you access to His power. Your limitations help you understand that His power rests in you.

A strong faith gives you the courage to take chances, and the freedom to explore opportunities even if it means you might fail. With God at your side, you can follow your heart knowing that no matter what happens, you are cared for by Him.

If your faith life is beginning to feel tedious, face it, and ask God to help you find a new way to spend time with Him. Perhaps it’s praying while you take a walk, or joining a Bible study group. Tell Him you are ready to make a change that will help you grow closer to Him.

God created you to challenge yourself, to keep growing and learning new things. As a result, He frequently changes up your life by presenting new and exciting possibilities. Try not to fight or stress over what is to come. Instead, open your mind and heart.

Sometimes people get caught up in belief that their prayers must be perfect. They worry about using the right words, the right posture, when in reality, what makes a perfect prayer is sincerity and the faith that God hears and will answer you. A perfect prayer can be as simple as this.

In the above verse, Jeremiah points out that, people make the mistake of looking to the wrong things, “broken cisterns”, ideas or beliefs that don’t hold water and that can never truly satisfy. Jesus gives us a spring of Living Water that will never run dry.

As David hid from his enemies, he praised God for His limitless power. Even though David would endure many challenges and long nights, he still was able to rejoice and know that he was safe in God’s care.

Today, be mindful when you rest. Take time to notice the simple blessings around you. The sounds of nature outside, the wind, the birds singing. At night, look up at the stars in the sky. Fuel your spirit by being still and paying attention to the gifts of life that so often go unnoticed.