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Leader Guide

Bible Activity

  • Bibles or the Superbook Bible App

 

Let’s say the SuperVerse together. 1 Thessalonians 5:18:

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

The Bible verses you will look up are about joy and thanksgiving in difficult circumstances.

Give each child a Bible. Children will look up the verse and take turns reading. Then, lead a discussion with the questions that follow. Be prepared to assist anyone who is inexperienced with using the Bible. 

 

1. Acts 5:40–42: 

40 The others accepted his advice. They called in the apostles and had them flogged. Then they ordered them never again to speak in the name of Jesus, and they let them go. 41 The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus. 42 And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah.”

The Jewish leaders arrested Peter and the other apostles. They intended to kill them until a Pharisee named Gamaliel advised the leaders to let the apostles go. The apostles were then beaten before they were set free. 

  • In verse 40, what did the leaders command them to never do again? Speak in the name of Jesus. 
  • In verse 41, did the apostles become angry and complain? No, they left rejoicing.
  • What was the reason they rejoiced? Because God saw them as worthy to suffer disgrace and shame, or to be dishonored on behalf of Jesus—or for representing Jesus.
  • Have you ever been persecuted or made fun of for believing in Jesus; if so, what was your reaction?  
  • Did the apostles follow the Jewish leader’s orders? No, they continued to preach and teach about Jesus.

 

2. Daniel 6:10–11: 

10 But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God. 11 Then the officials went together to Daniel’s house and found him praying and asking for God’s help.

The king was tricked into signing a law that said for the next 30 days, no one could pray to anyone but him. Anyone who broke this law would be thrown into the den of lions!   

  • According to verse 10, what did Daniel do when he knew about the law? He went home and prayed as always.
  • Did he change the way he prayed? No, he prayed with the windows open, three times a day.      
  • In verses 10–11, were his prayers full of fear and panic? No, he asked for God’s help and continued to give thanks to God—as he had always done. 
  • In verse 11, what was Daniel doing when the officials went to his house? Praying to God and asking for His help.    
  • So, what do we learn from Daniel about praying and giving thanks? We must trust God and obey Him above people. Seek God in good and bad times; He deserves our thanks and praise in all circumstances. 

 

3. Psalm 34:1,5,8: 

1 I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak His praises. 5 Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. 8 Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him!

This is part of a Psalm written by David. When he wrote it, David was fleeing from wicked King Saul, who wanted to kill him. 

  • When does David say he will praise the Lord? At all times.
  • In verse 1, will David constantly complain about God? No He will speak God’s praises.
  • In verse 5, what happens when we look to God for help? Our faces will show joy so others can see, we will be glowing, shining with His light—not unhappy, disappointed, or filled with shame.
  • In verse 8, what does it mean to “taste and see”? To discover or experience God’s goodness firsthand or personally, rather than just listen to other’s testimonies.
  • How have you experienced God’s goodness? Answered prayer, feeling His love, blessings in my life, protection, guidance, mercy, forgiveness. 
  • Would anyone like to share a time when you thanked God or were joyful even in a time of difficulty? 
  • What does David say will happen when we take refuge, or go to God for protection and security? We will experience not just joy, abundant joy—happiness and blessings!        

Conclusion: We just discussed examples of people who praised God and were thankful even in horrible circumstances. When we face trials and troubles, remember all God has blessed you with through Christ—and will continue to do so throughout eternity!