12 Best Things To Change Your Life In 2026, Part 2
Part two of a Sunday Scripture series on spiritually healthy habits that can shape daily life in 2026, with prayerful, practical encouragement.
Make thoughtful changes in 2026 that bring lasting, life-giving growth.
Today is part two of a three-part series about making spiritually healthy changes this year. The most meaningful changes a life can make are spiritual ones, so let’s continue together.
If you missed Part 1 of this series, you might want to start there.
Last week ended with prayer and the importance of keeping an honest, ongoing conversation with a loving Father. That kind of prayer steadies the heart and shapes the way a day is lived.
I want to expand on that thought today by sharing one specific thing worth praying for.
Pray For Revival
Revival begins in the heart. The word revival means to bring something back to life, to rekindle what has nearly burned out. A tiny spark or a faint ember, once cared for and fed, can grow into a strong and steady fire.
Revival is a renewed love for the Lord and a restored, obedient relationship with Him. It comes when God’s glory becomes clear and personal, when His worth and holiness are seen alongside a true understanding of personal need. Revival opens eyes to sin, to brokenness, and to the deep need for a Savior.
Revival is not something a person creates. It is a work of the Holy Spirit. Prayer, however, is a way to take part in it. Pray earnestly that the Holy Spirit reveals truth clearly and deeply.
As individuals and as a nation, revival is needed. Honest self-reflection, confession, and repentance are not popular topics today, yet they are essential. Once hearts are softened, there is freedom in turning back to God with gratitude and joy.
Psalm 80 speaks directly to this longing.
Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved. Psalm 80:3, 19
Revival has the power to change lives and nations. Prayer offered with faith and expectation matters. Hearts that wait on God with hope are never ignored.
In ancient cities, watchtowers were built into protective walls. From these high places, watchmen looked for danger or for good news from the king.
I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. Psalm 130:6
Prayer for revival is paired with watchful waiting. Stay attentive. Stay expectant. Let God know the heart is ready and waiting.
Revival is real and unmistakable. When it comes, it touches everything in its path. Pray for it, and watch carefully.
Give
Giving of time, resources, and abilities helps advance God’s work in the world. Life easily becomes crowded with daily responsibilities, but eternal things deserve careful attention.
What has lasting value are the things done for God’s kingdom. If heaven is the promised home, living with that truth in mind brings purpose to ordinary days. Giving is one way to reflect the heart of Jesus through everyday faithfulness.
Start Your Day With God
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
This verse is often the first thought of the morning. While it may not be quoted in perfect context, it beautifully frames the beginning of a day.
It is a reminder that today is a gift. Each morning holds purpose, grace, and God’s presence. Joy is possible even when challenges arise, because the Father remains near.
Jesus promised to never leave or forsake His own, and the Holy Spirit lives within every believer. This awareness brings peace and quiet confidence throughout the day.
Speaking Scripture aloud is a meaningful way to begin. God’s Word shapes the mind and anchors the heart.
Find verses that speak directly to personal needs and pray them with intention, trusting God to work through His truth.
Here are a few of my favorite scriptures to pray over my life…
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you]. Romans 12:1-2
I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4: 1-6
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jere 29:11
For we are his workmanship (meaning poem as in poem to the world), created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10
End Your Day With God
By the end of the day, it often feels like there is nothing left to give. Rolling into bed tired and spent feels familiar, doesn’t it?
One habit worth returning to is spending a few quiet moments with the Father at the close of the day. Looking back honestly. Talking through what went well and what did not. Confessing sin. Thanking God for His presence. Praising Him simply for who He is.
Bedtime prayers were a discipline learned early in life, yet they can easily fade away as schedules grow full. There is something deeply grounding about reclaiming that time and making it personal again.
Ending the day by telling God how much He is loved feels like the right way to drift into rest. Letting the final thoughts be gratitude, humility, and trust brings peace that carries into sleep.
These spiritually healthy habits are basic, yet they are powerful. Simple does not mean shallow. These practices reach deep and quietly shape a life.
Here is a gentle question to sit with this week. How is your relationship with the God of everything? And just as important, how would you like it to be?
The honest answers often point toward the habits worth building and keeping for a lifetime and beyond.
Here is a verse to carry into the week ahead.
A Verse To Meditate On This Week
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
More Sunday Posts
Here are more spiritual growth posts to read.
Happy Sunday,
God bless you for using your site to share decor AND the rich life we can have in Christ!
Thank you Diane!
Refreshing to hear these truths in our current world. God has really just given us a way to live. It’s all meant as a blessing, and it is.
Thank you so very much for your wonderful words. I, too, am on a journey to know my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ more intimately. I really did enjoy reading your part 1 and part 2 guidance and recommendations. My favourite verse comes from 1 Thessalonians 4:11 and I start my day with those words. God’s blessings to you and yours. Kathy
God bless you Kathy!
I love these Sunday posts. They are such a blessing and beautiful reminders of things we need more of in our lives. Thank you!
Amen! Thanks Donna!
Amen!!! Make Jesus Christ a priority and number 1 in your life……that does not mean no more problems or stress BUT it does give you a peace to walk through the trials in life! It gives you JOY that NOTHING else can give …..it gives you more enjoyment in the beautiful things Jesus gives each and everyday!!!
I love, love your comments on revival. I have been praying for our nation for sometime and asking The Lord to bring revival to the United States. Thank you for Sunday posts. I forget to comment sometimes, but I am so thankful for your willingness to share these truths.
God bless you Lorraine.
God has given me days in the dry dessert and days in the fresh running waters. I have been blessed by both. Praise to God for both.
I so agree! It takes a mature soul to make that statement.
Yvonne—Oh how I love and treasure your amazing daily blogs. But, Sundays are my very favorite! Your inspire me in ways you will never know. Somedays, you give me just the right medicine to pick myself up and do the
next right thing—whether it be in my daily life of taking care of a house, decorating, cooking etc. or in my Spiritual walk with God.
Your segment on Revival today especially hit home with me. The song “Set My Soul Afire” came flooding back to my memory of singing it as a young girl in the church. The words “Set my soul afire, Lord—set my soul afire! Make my life a witness of Thy saving pow’r. Millions grope in darkness waiting for Thy word. Set my soul afire, Lord–set my soul afire” That is truly my inspiration! May I be a witness to all those I know and meet and may the Holy Spirit move in me and set my soul afire!
Thanks, again, for shining in all you do! What an amazing woman of God you are!
Blessings!
Oh, Cathy! What wonderful true words. God bless you!
Thank you for today’s post and all of the Sunday posts, as well as the blog. I enjoyed reading it and all the comments. Such great encouragement to read how others are praying, praising, and believing God. I am in agreement and praying for revival. Come and revive us Lord Jesus! We need you! ????????
Thank you for praying, Kelli.
Yvonne, thank you for your posts that share your faith. Thank you for allowing God to use you to share His word with so many. It is so easy to use this platform to promote materialism, vanity, and greed, but you have found a way to promote what is most important in a home, God’s presence! My prayer for you today is that God will continue to bless the work you are doing and that your home will always be filled with His Holy Spirit.
What a beautiful blessing, Betty! Thank you and God bless you!
Hello Yvonne, thank you for your wonderful blog, I love reading it daily.
My relationship with God has come full circle – believer, non-believer, back to believer as a result of a visit to Assisi in Italy. St. Francis called my name there, and I have found my way back.
Right now I’m in the middle of clearing out the in-law suite at the back of our house so we can rent it to someone who needs it. There is not enough housing in the town where I live, and while it’s our favourite part of the house, someone else needs it more.
Blessings to you, and please say a prayer that I can give up my space without hard feelings.
Hi Helen, thank you for your comment. I am overjoyed you turned back to God! May God bless you as you give up your space and may this kindness fill you with generosity and joy.
Yvonne, I just loved your post today! I just thank God for you and for your willingness to share Him with us. I, too, have been praying for a revival in our land. How we need this — and how we need to let people know how much they need to put their trust in Him. I pray that I, too, can be the “hands and heart of Jesus” to those around me. Bless you, Yvonne, as you so faithfully bring us these wonderful devotions each Sunday. I appreciate you so much!
Thanks for your uplifting words! So refreshing and much needed in our work today. God bless you Yvonne.
God bless you in the new year, Diane.
I am blessed! Blessed by your devotional that speaks to me on several levels. So in line with my personal journey; seeking my Lord and Saviour in a deeper and broader way. Also tremendously blessed by the others comments! I believe we are seeing that Revival we are all seeking. To God be the Glory!!
I have one thing to say: You are simply wonderful! Thank you for your loving encouragement as we journey through this life on earth. You make me want to be the best I can be. May God continue to bless you with many good things.
Aww, Sharon! How lovely! Thank you. God bless your new year.
Thank you for these pearls of wisdom!
Beautifully written Yvonne. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful reminder of the basics, as well as my favorite scriptures.
Thank you again, for using your blog to not only share your gift of homemaking and design talent, but to honor our Lord.
Thank you and God bless you, Debbie
Yvonne,
I so enjoy your Sunday messages and admire and respect your dedication to sharing God’s love with your readers. I am a Christian author and appreciate what you do! We met at Haven in Charleston, SC the one year it was there. You were so gracious and generous and bought a group of us lunch! I’ll never forget that. Thank you for your Christian witness and the beautiful blog you write. God Bless you!
Thank you!
Is there a way to print this without all the ads? It is wonderful and so very uplifting. I would like to be able to print and share it with a couple of ladies in my bible study who aren’t computer literate. Thank you so much Yvonne. God bless you for all you do. Susan
I’m sorry Susan. I’d suggest cutting and pasting the post in a document.