Leader Guide

Video Leader Guide

Welcome (1 minute)

Welcome back, everyone! The lesson today is the second one about our Superbook adventure, “Paul and Silas.” I would like someone who saw the video the last time to tell me why we saw Paul standing in water two times. He was baptizing new believers; Lydia and her household, then the jailer and his household.  

In the Bible story, people rejoiced because they heard the Good News and believed in Jesus. It’s time for us to rejoice in our Savior as we sing Lord of Everything.

Play Video: (Song) Lord of Everything (3.5 minutes)

Lord of Everything

Preview the song so you can help the children sing along with the music.

SuperTruth and Discussion (2 minutes)

Our SuperTruth today is: “I will rejoice and be content.” What does it mean to be content? To be satisfied, happy, and at peace.      

Have you ever been around people who complain and grumble a lot? How do you feel when you’re with them? Frustrated, negative, annoyed, even guilty that we are happy.    

How does it feel to be around people who are usually joyful and thankful? Happy, peaceful.

Yes! As followers of Christ, we have many reasons to rejoice and be content, regardless of any situation or circumstance we find ourselves in. When we are content and full of joy, others want to be around us. This is what happened when Paul and Silas chose to rejoice and be content in prison! If you’re wondering how that’s possible, we’ll watch a short version of our Bible story video right now. For those who have seen it before, watch closely to see what the jailer asks Paul and Silas after they choose not to escape.    

Introduce Condensed Bible Story (1 minute)

If all children watched the Bible story video in the previous lesson, you may skip it here and go straight to the Bible Background Video.

Play Video 4: Condensed Bible Story (11 minutes)

Condensed Bible Story

Superbook takes Chris, Joy, and Gizmo to Philippi, where Paul casts a demon out of a fortune teller. He and Silas are arrested, beaten, and thrown in prison—yet still, they praise God. They don’t try to escape after an earthquake, knowing the jailer would be executed. Moved by their faith, the jailer is saved and baptized, along with his entire family.

Discussion (2 minutes)

When Paul cast an evil spirit from the fortune teller, why were the girl’s masters so angry? Her powers were gone and they could not make money anymore.

Why were Paul and Silas put in prison—did they do something wrong? No; they were preaching the Gospel.

Would you be singing and praising God if you had been beaten and thrown in prison?

What happened when Paul and Silas were praising and worshiping God? An earthquake set them free.

Why was the jailer about to kill himself? He saw the prison doors open and thought the prisoners had escaped. He knew he would be executed if they escaped.      

People can lose hope when they are desperate. Yet we should never lose hope because God is always with us! That’s why we can rejoice and be content, even in very hard times. Paul and Silas shared the Good News with the jailer. So instead of dying that night, he found eternal life—and so did his family!

Introduce Bible Background Video (1 minute)

In today’s Bible Background video, we’ll learn more about Paul, Silas, and their missionary journeys. Be ready for Gizmo’s questions! Wait for him to give some answers, then call out the one you think is right!

Play Video 5: Bible Background (7 minutes)

Bible Background

Play Video 10B: SuperVerse Graphic 2

SuperVerse Graphic 2

Graphic loops 2.5 minutes without audio; turn off or freeze video after children repeat the verse.

SuperVerse Discussion (1 minute)

The SuperVerse today is 1 Thessalonians 5:18:

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

So we are to be thankful in most circumstances, right? No, in all circumstances. 

Very good; you are paying attention! It is easy to be thankful and praise God when things are going according to plan and all is well. It isn’t as easy when things seem to go wrong. However, it is God’s will that we are always thankful, regardless of our circumstances. No matter what happens, we are loved by Him, our sins are forgiven, and Jesus is our Lord and Savior! In every situation, we have hope now and forever!   

Children will have more time to learn the SuperVerse in Small Group. If younger children are not able to memorize the entire verse, be sure they understand its meaning.

Prayer and Send-Off (1 minute)

Let’s pray. Heavenly Father, in this world we will find ourselves in many kinds of circumstances, both good and bad. Because we know Jesus, we have reason to be thankful and to rejoice in all situations. Help us to remember all of the blessings we have because of Jesus Christ. In His wonderful name, we pray, Amen.    

In Small Group today, you will play a game where you will travel with Paul and Silas to spread the Good News. Oh, I should warn you—beware of the soldiers who want to arrest you!        

Teachers take children to Small Group classes for Grades 1–3 and 4–6. If the combined group is small, all children may stay together for Small Group time.

Game

What city were Paul and Silas visiting when they were thrown in jail? Philippi.

Point to the Philippi sign. As the apostles went about preaching the Gospel, they often faced opposition and persecution from religious leaders or city officials. In addition to being beaten and jailed in Philippi, Paul also experienced hardships in Iconium (“I-CONE-ee-um”), Lystra (“LIST-ruh”), and Derbe (“DER-bee”). Point to the three signs.   

Have a sixth grade helper or another older child play a Roman soldier who has been dispatched by the religious leaders who oppose the Gospel. Have the soldier stand in the center of the room as you explain the game. 

Have you ever played a game called Four Corners? This game is very similar. You are traveling with Paul from city to city to preach the Gospel. Your goal is to avoid being caught and arrested by the soldier who has been sent by the religious leaders. The soldier will close his/her eyes and slowly count aloud to 10. As the soldier counts, you will quietly move to the city sign of your choice. Now, remember to move very quietly so the soldier can’t hear you! When the soldier is finished counting to 10, with eyes still closed, he/she will say, “I think someone is preaching in city number 1, 2, 3, or 4.” You never know which number the soldier will pick! Everyone who is caught in that city is “arrested” and sits down near the soldier, in “jail.” The game continues until only one player remains and is the winner. What did Paul and Silas do in prison? They sang.

So here’s something to think about: If the people in our “jail” start singing, they’ll actually help the people who are still going from city to city, because the soldier won’t be able to hear them moving! 

Let’s play two practice rounds to make sure everyone understands the game. If you’re caught in the first two rounds, you don’t need to go to jail! 

To shorten the game, once a city is named, you may announce that the city is closed and no one may enter. This limits play to three turns per round, after which there will probably be a group of winners in the remaining city. Choose another soldier for Round 2. Children who were “arrested” are freed to play again. Leave the city signs on the wall for the teaching.

Teaching

First, let’s answer the question about the video in Large Group. What did the jailer ask Paul and Silas after they chose not to escape? “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”             

Paul and Silas could have escaped after the earthquake—yet they were content to stay, knowing God had placed them there for a purpose. They rejoiced and were thankful even inside the prison with their feet in stocks. 

If they had fled, what would have happened? The jailer would not have lived; he and his family would not have heard the Good News.     

Let’s say our SuperVerse together: 1 Thessalonians 5:18:     

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

As we learned last time, Paul and Silas were focused on doing God’s will and following the direction of God’s Spirit. When Paul was arrested and thrown into jail in Philippi, it wasn’t the first time he had experienced persecution and hard times. 

Stand by the Iconium sign. Before Paul traveled with Silas, he preached with a man named Barnabas. As they preached boldly in Iconium, some Gentiles, Jews, and their leaders plotted to attack the men and stone them to death. Paul found out, and they fled to Lystra. 

Run to the Lystra sign. There, they preached the Good News until Paul was stoned, dragged out of town, and left for dead! The believers gathered to pray for him and—miraculously—Paul got up! (See Acts 14:1–20.) 

Stand by the Derby sign. Next, Paul traveled to Derby, where many people believed in Christ and became disciples. Paul experienced good times and bad times, ups and downs, acceptance and rejection. 

Stand by the Lystra sign, then move to the Iconium sign. Even though Paul was persecuted in Lystra and Iconium, he bravely returned to those same cities to strengthen the believers! 

We may face trials and hardships as we obey God. Yet in Philippians 4:4, Paul wrote, 

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 

Now, let’s apply this to our lives. Step onto the step ladder, climbing up one or two rungs.  

When things are going well for us, we feel up, in a good mood, and happy—we’re excited about the future. If you’ve ever felt like you’re on top of the world, hold up both hands as high as you can and wave them. I feel this way when I can share the Gospel with someone!

Step off the ladder, sit on the chair, bow your head, and slump your shoulders—yet still speak loud enough for children to hear. Sometimes we feel low or down. We are sad because we have been hurt or betrayed. Maybe we have been criticized or made fun of because of our faith. If you’ve ever felt defeated, raise both hands hands like you’re surrendering or giving up. 

Stand up straight between the chair and the ladder. Now this represents days that are average. Things are okay, but neither up or down, good or bad. You might even be a bit bored. If you feel like this sometimes, move your hands from side to side.

Step onto the ladder again. Is it hard to be thankful and content when your life is up here? No.

It is easy to be thankful and content when things are going well. In Large Group, what did we say to be content means? To be satisfied, at peace, and fulfilled.    

Move off the ladder and stand on the floor. How about now, when you feel okay and things are normal; is it a little harder to be thankful and content? Why? Children answer. 

Sit on the chair and slump over. How about now; is it easy to be thankful when you are down? No, it is difficult to be thankful when I am depressed or sad.

It is hardest to be thankful and content during hard times. 

Step onto the step ladder. Always remember how Paul and Silas sang and praised God in prison. We need to be thankful, no matter what! We can only do this with God’s help. His Holy Spirit fills us with His peace and power. We have true joy in our hearts, no matter what we are facing. God loves us and we belong to Jesus. This gives us hope and joy that can never be taken away! 

As believers in Jesus, we want to please God and fulfill His plan for our lives. What does our SuperVerse say is part of God’s will for us? To be thankful in all circumstances.

Discipleship Challenge/Practical Application

Give an Iron Link Challenge to any children who missed Lesson 1 so they may assemble it at home.    

Hold up the sample craft. Part of the challenge last time was to memorize the first SuperVerse, Galatians 5:25. Can anyone say it from memory?

Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.  

The other part of the challenge was to pray for God’s guidance each day, then to watch and listen for His answers. Would anyone like to share about how you sensed God leading you as you read the Bible or prayed?

When Paul and Silas praised and thanked God in their prison cell, what happened? They were set free!

That’s what our next challenge is all about! Look for things you can be thankful for. Ask God to help you be content and rejoice in His goodness, even in hard times. Let’s all seek to do this with God’s help, and I’ll ask you to share your experience next time we get together. Also, be sure to memorize today’s SuperVerse, which we’ll work on now.

SuperVerse

Have the children sit on the floor facing the board. Paul and Silas were dragged before the city officials, beaten, and thrown into prison with their feet locked in stocks. And they didn’t do anything wrong! They set a girl free from an evil spirit and from her wicked masters who made money by using her and controlling her. Paul and Silas could have been angry and bitter, yet they chose to be thankful and rejoice. 

What did they have to be thankful for as they sat in that dark prison? They had Jesus as their Savior; they were directed by God’s Spirit and were in the place God wanted them to be. They were persecuted because they represented and served Christ.      

Paul and Silas knew they were in jail because God had a purpose for them. They were thankful God was using them to bring the Good News to others. They wanted other people to have salvation, hope and joy that can only come from knowing Jesus! When we belong to Christ, we have reason to be thankful, no matter what happens. This is God’s will for all believers.  

Let’s say our SuperVerse together: 1 Thessalonians 5:18: 

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

Have the children turn their heads, then lower them and/or cover their eyes so they cannot see the board. Using the list below, change one word of the SuperVerse on the board at a time to alter the meaning of the verse, then have the children look at the board and raise their hands to tell you what word should be fixed. Write in the correct word and then repeat the process. You may vary the order of the list. As they become familiar with the verse, erase more than one word at a time.

• Change “thankful” to “angry”
• Change “all” to “some”
• Change “circumstances” to “good times”
• Change “is” to “isn’t”
• Change “God’s” to “Paul’s”
• Change “you” to “others”
• Change “belong” to “object”
• Change “Christ Jesus” to “the world”
• Change “Thessalonians” to “Timothy”

You did a great job! 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.

I want to do God’s will, don’t you? One way we can do that is to always be thankful! 

Younger children may not be able to memorize the entire SuperVerse. Be sure all children understand its meaning.

Prayer

Have children form a circle around you. We just mentioned doing God’s will. That means doing what pleases God and following the plan He has for us. You see, God has a specific plan and purpose for each of us. Yet some parts of God’s will are the same for all of us—like being thankful. I will read two of the shortest verses in the Bible. They come right before today’s SuperVerse, and they also represent God’s will for every believer.

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16–17:    

¹⁶ Always be joyful. ¹⁷ Never stop praying.  

Let’s say them together:

Always be joyful. Never stop praying.

Around midnight, in prison, Paul and Silas were singing hymns and what else? Praying. 

We can all do God’s will today by praying together!  

Let’s pray together and name things that we are thankful for. It could be for your family, or any other blessings. I will start, then {child’s name} on my left will thank God for something, and we’ll keep going all around the circle. If you prefer, you can just say “Thank You, God.” 

When everyone has had an opportunity to pray, close in prayer: Heavenly Father, we desire to do Your will every day—and Your will for us is to be joyful, to pray, and to be thankful. Help us remember this each day. Thank You for sending Jesus to die for us and save us from our sins. This is a reason to rejoice and be thankful, no matter what the circumstances are! Let us be witnesses to those around us, so they can come to know You and have this wonderful joy and peace. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.       

Action Game

Let’s say the SuperTruth together. “I will rejoice and be content.” 

God is the source of true joy and we can find His joy in some unexpected circumstances. In this game, you will see that God gives us joy in all situations—good and bad. Let’s read the four signs on the walls. That’s why our SuperVerse tells us to be thankful in ALL circumstances.

Have a different child read each sign in order, and then you give a brief explanation for each one:

1. JOY in Troubles. Now who expects to have joy in a time of trouble? The Bible tells us that when troubles of any kind come our way, it’s an opportunity to have joy—in fact, to have great joy!    

Optional: read James 1:2: 

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 

2. JOY in Trials. Going through a time of trials or testing is not pleasant or fun. However, the Bible tells us that we can be glad because we are saved, and everlasting joy is just around the corner!   

Optional: read 1 Peter 1:5–6: 

And through your faith, God is protecting you by His power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. 

3. JOY in Obedience. When I say the word “obedience,” you probably don’t think of rejoicing right away! Yet, when we obey God as Paul and Silas did, we can experience joy and contentment, knowing we are right where God wants us, and we are doing what pleases Him. Jesus says that those who obey are blessed!    

Optional: read Luke 11:28: 

Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.” 

4. JOY in Contentment. There is joy and satisfaction in focusing on what God has done and remembering how He has blessed us. That doesn’t happen when we look at others and are jealous of things we don’t have. We can experience a deeper joy based on the eternal things of God—not things of this world that will pass away or only bring happiness for a short time.    

Optional: read Colossians 3:16–17: 

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom He gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Now, let’s learn how to play the game to give and receive God’s joy in all of the situations we talked about! Because Paul and Silas rejoiced in prison, they shared their joy with all of the prisoners! When we rejoice in all circumstances, others can experience God’s joy, too.          

Divide the class into two equal teams and have them line up, single file. If teams are unequal, one player may play twice. Assign each team a cup color—for example, Blue Team and Red Team. Demonstrate the game as you explain it.    

One player from each team plays at the same time. Each player will travel to all four signs in order. This represents following God’s Spirit, like Paul and Silas did. At each sign, you will find joy represented by cups. You will take a cup of joy and travel to the next sign, where you’ll pick up another cup—until you have four cups. You can place the cups inside each other to carry them. Return to your team and hand the cups to the next player. That player then goes to each sign and puts down one cup—sharing the joy of the Lord that they just received! Players continue in this pattern until each player has had a turn. The first team to do this and then shout the SuperTruth together wins! 

To make the game more interesting, you must travel in whatever way I say. You may have to skip for joy, or jump for joy, or even twirl! All players will travel the same way until I change the instructions! Ready? Go!    

Begin by telling players to jump, skip, twirl, etc.; change the instructions at random times throughout the game. 

Play a second round with children switching roles: those who picked up cups in the last round will put them down, and vice versa. Everyone should have an opportunity to receive and share the joy of the Lord!  

Conclusion: Were you surprised that you can find joy in those situations?

Have you ever had the opportunity to share the joy of the Lord with someone in one of these situations? If so, how did it feel?  

As we follow God, we will experience many different things in our lives. In every situation, God will give us joy when we focus on Him and trust Him. Paul and Silas experienced great difficulties, including physical persecution. Yet, they always obeyed God’s Spirit and didn’t complain. When we rejoice and are content we can influence others for God.

Craft

Give a coloring page to each child. Give crayons, colored pencils, or washable markers to the children to share. Lead a discussion using the questions as children color their pages. 

• Around midnight, Chris, Joy, Gizmo, and the jailer were sleeping in the prison. Who can say today’s SuperTruth with their eyes closed? “I will rejoice and be content.”
• Paul and Silas were doing something else; what were they up to? Praying and singing hymns to God.
• What was done to Paul and Silas before they were thrown in prison? They were beaten.
• Why were the people so angry at Paul and Silas? They cast the evil spirit out of the fortune teller so her masters couldn’t use her to make money any longer.       
• Why could Paul and Silas be thankful and rejoice after all that had happened to them? They had God’s Spirit inside; they knew they were where God wanted them to be. They were happy to represent Christ, they knew God was with them and there was a reason they were in the prison. They had learned to be satisfied and content no matter the circumstances.  
• Have you ever been thankful and praised God even though you were in a difficult situation? Would you like to share? 
• What happened as Paul and Silas were praying and singing? There was an earthquake and the prison was shaken. The doors flew open and the prisoner’s chains fell off.  
• Why do you think Paul and Silas didn’t run away when they were freed by the earthquake? They knew the jailer would be killed for letting them escape and they knew God had allowed them to be placed there for a purpose.      

Give children an opportunity to share their coloring pages with the class.  

Close in prayer: Dear God, it is Your will for us to be thankful and content no matter where we are or what the circumstances. You have blessed our lives through Christ Jesus here on the earth and forever in heaven. In Jesus’ saving name we pray, Amen.  

Object Lesson

What did we say it means to be content? To be satisfied, happy, and at peace.     

What are some things that you’d like to have someday? Clothes, games, electronic devices, sports items, musical instruments, music, etc.  

Write answers on the left half of the board. If someone says a spiritual desire, place it on the right side. 

What are some blessings from God you have now? Home, clothing, food, friends, family, salvation, peace, love.

Write answers on the right half of the board. 

This is a good list. Place the “What I Have” box in front of you with one sign facing the children. This box represents the blessings God has given us, like the items you listed on the right side of the board.    

Place the “What I Want” about 6 feet to one side of the first box. This box represents all the things we would like to have that are listed on the left side of the board. 

Stand behind the “What I Have” box again. Paul and Silas were thankful and content even in the worst of circumstances because they belonged to Jesus, and they had hope of an eternal reward waiting in heaven. They focused on the blessings that they had. 

Paul wrote about this in Philippians 4:11–13:

For I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Point to the board. We made a list of the things that we want. And it’s okay to want things. It could be a new video game that was just released, or a new T-shirt, or an electronic device. Yet, there is a point in which wanting something can become a sin. In fact, God listed that sin in the Ten Commandments. Can someone tell me what the Tenth Commandment is? Do not covet.

Covet means to want something so badly that you become consumed or obsessed with possessing it.

Read Exodus 20:17:

“You must not covet your neighbor’s house. You must not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.”

You probably have not coveted an ox or a donkey! However, the end of the verse says we should not covet anything that belongs to our neighbor. The Bible also says our neighbor isn’t just the person who lives near us—our neighbor means everyone! So—it’s wrong to covet anything from anyone! 

For example, if a friend gets the video game that you have been wanting, you should be happy for your friend. And it’s okay to say, “I hope that someday I can get one, too.” But it would be wrong to get jealous of your friend and become fixated on the video game so it’s all you can think about. That’s coveting, and it’s sinful. 

Paul did not focus on things he didn’t have. He didn’t covet fancy things or long for comfort. 

Point toward the “What I Have” box. Paul kept his eyes fixed on the Lord and on doing His will. When he did that, he was content and thankful with whatever God gave him. It is so important for us to remain thankful for the blessings God has given us and not to covet the things we want. 

Matthew 6:33 says: 

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.

Turn and stare at the “What I Want” box and slowly walk toward it as if mesmerized and drawn to it. When we focus on things we don’t have, we become discontented and miserable; we cease to be thankful to God. We may begin to grumble and complain and become jealous or envious of what others have. This is not pleasing to God!   

Return to the “What I Have” box and point toward it. Like Paul and Silas, we need to appreciate the gifts that God has given us—especially His wonderful gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. True contentment only comes from Him.

Read Ephesians 1:3: 

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.

Think about that—when we have Jesus, we have every spiritual blessing! Paul said he could do everything through Christ who gave him strength. Through Christ, we can do all things, too—we can be content and satisfied, no matter the circumstances. Paul could rejoice in prison because he had learned that true joy and contentment doesn’t come from having things—it comes from knowing Christ! 

Let’s say our SuperTruth together: “I will rejoice and be content.”   

Bible Activity

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!