Two weeks ago, we talked about the truth that God is trustworthy. We know by reading the Bible that God will always keep His promises, and He will always do what He says He is going to do. We know this to be true, but there are certainly moments when it seems like God has forgotten His promises toward us. We know that He is always good, but sometimes hard and sad things happen, and in those times, it’s important to remember God is still in control! He does not ever forget us!
JOY: Delighting in God in all circumstances
MEMORY VERSE: “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again – rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 (NLT)
This Week’s Finish Line: Because God is in control, we can have joy!
This week we looked at one of the times David was on the run from Saul in Psalm 57. The context of David writing this psalm is found in 1 Samuel 22. David literally hid in a cave because Saul was on a crazy rampage bent on killing him! That life on the run is hard to imagine, but surely David was terrified, lonely, and wondering if God was ever going to fulfill His promise to make David king of Israel! David was honest with God in this psalm, and told God he was afraid and needed help. But then, David remembers WHO God is, and remembers God is ALWAYS in control. He spends the rest of the psalm praising God and giving thanks to Him!
Family Questions:
- Look at Psalm 57:1-5. Where was David when he wrote this? Why was he hiding?
- How do you think you would have felt if Saul had been chasing you like that?
- What does David say about God in verse 2?
- Look at Psalm 57:6-11. How do you think David was able to rejoice even in hard times?
Bring it Home Conversations & Activities:
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TEACHER: Remember to Rejoice!
At dinner this week, practice this month’s memory verse together (Philippians 4:4). If you’ve already got it memorized as a family, brainstorm and look up other verses in the Bible about rejoicing.
FRIEND: God is in Control
While driving in the car this week, look out the windows and list ways you can see that God is in control of the whole world. Is it raining? How can you see that God is in control when it rains? Do you see dead trees? How can you see God is in control by knowing they will come back to life this Spring? See how many examples and reminders your family can come up with to prove God is in control.
COUNSELOR: Trusting God Brings us Joy
During bedtime this week, talk with your child about ways you can each trust God this week with small things and little things. As you pray together, ask God for help, but also take time to praise God for being in control. Read Psalm 57 together again.
COACH: Make a Fort
One night this week, make a fort together with your kids in the living room or in one of their bedrooms. Use lots of blankets and pillows to make it extra cozy. When David was hiding from Saul, he hid in a small cave and praised the Lord there! While inside the fort with the whole family, sing a couple of songs to praise God together!
Prayer
Thank God for having a plan, never being surprised & having everything under His control. Ask Him to help you find your hope and joy in Him no matter your circumstances.
Looking Ahead
Next week we will continue discussing joy, by looking at the way Paul and Silas were an example of joy for others in Acts 16.
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