Read Together:

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”  - Philippians 4:4-7

Main idea:

Worry can steal the joy and peace right out of our lives!  Rather than ruminating on our troubles, begin the habit of praising God and calling on Him in prayer.

Preschool & Early Elementary Takeaway:

He doesn’t say rejoice and celebrate on your birthday, or just on holidays, or just when something happy or fun happens… He tells us to rejoice and celebrate always! 

--What is something you want to thank God for?

Student & Teen Takeaway:

Many of our thoughts come from worry. We stress out about life, but we don’t have to. God is going to take care of us, and He is with us. He wants us to tell Him about our anxiety and fear. When you are worried, tell God about it. When we talk to God about our problems, we can experience His peace for us.

--What things in life cause you stress?  How can you trust God with these?

Couples:

We love feeling we can have control; that we’ve reduced all risk of danger or threats.  However, we know better. Circumstances can change in a moment, revealing the places in our lives we need God to touch.  Our call here is to choose to rejoice…no matter the circumstances…no matter what! 

--Why is it hard to give up control?  What do we need to surrender so our hope is in Christ alone?

Pray Together:

Lord, no matter what comes our way, our eyes will be fixed on you.  We choose to praise You for who You are.  You’re good, faithful, and in control!  We love You, and we choose to have our hope and joy in You!

Amen

Sing Together:

“Joy of the Lord” - Rend Collective