We all want to be happy, healthy people who live meaningful lives, but we don't always know how to do it. The truth is, improving your life is simpler than you might think. Seriously.

Try out these seven simple actions. They're straight from the Bible and they've worked for thousands of years. They'll work for you too.

1. Pray when you feel like worrying

Worry is a waste of time and mental energy. Jesus taught a lot about this (because He knew we would be prone to worrying). When you feel like worrying, let it be a trigger to pray instead.

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done." Philippians 4:6

2. Stay silent when you feel like complaining

Complaining, like worrying, is a waste of time and is unpleasant for both the complainer and the listener. Just like you learned in Kindergarten, "When you don't have anything nice to say, say nothing."

"Do everything without complaining and arguing" Philippians 2:14

3. Be present when you're loved ones needs you

Time is the "currency" of relationships and if we're going to invest into our relationships, we need to give our time to our loved ones. In the end, your relationships (with God and with people) will be all that really matters.

"Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." 1 Corinthians 13:7

4. Have faith when you feel fear

Faith is the foundation for the life God wants you to have. Faith isn't a mystical feeling, but a conscious choice to trust God even when life doesn't seem to make sense.

"Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see." Hebrews 11:1

5. Forgive when you feel like getting revenge

Augustine said, "Holding a grudge is like drinking poison and then hoping the other person dies!" When you hold a grudge or try to get revenge, both people lose. When you choose to forgive, both people win.

"Then Peter came to him and asked, 'Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?' 'No, not seven times,' Jesus replied, 'but seventy times seven!'" Matthew 18:21-22

6. Serve others when you feel like being selfish

"Greatness" in God's economy isn't about how many people serve you, but about how many people you serve. Serving others breaks the toxic grip of selfishness and helps us make a difference the world while also finding peace and joy for ourselves.

"The greatest among you must be a servant." Matthew 23:11

7. Keep going when you feel like quitting!

A "successful" life is really about perseverance. We all fall sometimes, but the only way to truly fail is to quit. Our struggles create strength, and God is with you every step of the way!

This article was originally published on Patheos. It has been republished here with permission.