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.