Leader Guide
Game
- Eight disposable cups: four each of two different colors—for example, four blue cups and four red cups
- Permanent marker
- Joy Signs Pattern
- Masking tape or painters tape
Make a copy of each of the Joy Signs in color or black and white.
Tape a sign in each corner of the room as illustrated.
Use the permanent marker to write “JOY” on all of the cups.
Place one of each color cup under the four signs.
Let’s say the SuperTruth together. “God gives me joy as I follow Him.”
God is the source of true joy! In our game, you will see that God gives joy to us in the midst of any situation; all we must do is follow Him! Let’s read the four signs on the walls.
Have a different child read each sign in order, and give a brief explanation for each one:
- JOY in Troubles and Trials. 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! (See James 1:2.)
- JOY in Repentance. We experience joy when we confess our sins and God forgives us. Our guilt and shame are washed away, and we are pure and clean—like the people experienced in the story of Nehemiah! (See Psalm 51:7–8.)
- JOY in Obedience. When we walk in step with God’s Word and we do His will each day, He fills us with His goodness, joy and peace! (See Romans 14:17.)
- JOY in His Presence. There is joy simply being in God’s presence. When we spend time with God reading the Bible, praying, or worshiping Him, He gives us joy! (See Psalm 21:6.)
Now, let’s learn how to play the game to give and receive God’s joy in all of the situations we talked about!
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 call and path, like Nehemiah 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 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 life. In every situation, God will give us joy when we look to Him and trust Him. Nehemiah didn’t always have an easy time, yet, he always trusted God and his joy in following God inspired his workers. Nehemiah’s joy and trust in God encouraged his workers and gave them strength to continue—even when they were threatened by enemy soldiers. It’s now time for our Signpost teaching where we will learn how Nehemiah’s leadership pointed to the greatest leader of all time—Jesus!