LESSON LIFESAVER Activity
TRUST IN GOD Proverbs 3:5-6 Bite-size Memorize
OBJECTIVE: To help the youth understand that we should trust our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ completely.
TO MAKE. Print and cut out the Bite-size Memorize for each child.
ACTIVITY:
Memorize Proverbs 3:5-6. See lesson/discussion ideas and examples below.
Share ways they have been guided as they trusted in Heavenly Father to guide them.
THOUGHT TREAT Confidence Cookies.
Share a cookie with children and ask them, “Do you have confidence or trust that what I am telling you is true?
The best way to know the truth is to read the scriptures and pray, asking Heavenly Father to give you a feeling of peace and joy if these things are true.
We are promised that God’s Spirit will give us a peaceful feeling (when something is right). There is a certain sweetness that comes from having your own testimony, just like these sweet Confidence Cookies. Another way to gain confidence is to live the commandments to be worthy of truth and God’s blessings.
Discussion Ideas for Proverbs 3:5-6:
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart…”
In what situations do we need to trust in the Lord?
IDEAS: – Obeying our parents? – When bad things happen to us? – When we are afraid? – A test is coming up. – You’re In a dangerous situation? – You don’t know if you can trust someone. – Peer pressure? – Going along with a friend?
“… and lean not unto thine own understanding.”
What does it mean to “lean” on your own understanding? Ask the youth to brainstorm times they may be tempted to lean on their own understanding instead of God’s understanding.
“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
How can we acknowledge Him in everything? Explain to the youth that we can talk to God: – Anytime, about anything, and He has promised that He will help us.
Examples from the scriptures:
#1 EXAMPLE Abraham and Isaac
One example of complete trust in the Lord is found in Genesis 22. Tell the story of Abraham and Isaac to demonstrate trusting in God completely.
Genesis 22:16-18 “for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: That in blessing I will bless thee… because thou hast obeyed my voice.”
Explain to the youth that God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac. Because Abraham trusted in God and was willing to obey Him, Abraham was blessed. Help the youth understand that as they trust in God and follow His commandments, they will also be blessed.
The GOAL for us is to be like Abraham and Isaac and King David (that follows); they were close to God and knew and trusted God’s Spirit. They could judge if they follow God or disobey God’s instructions. They TRUSTED GOD and let Him direct their path.
So, in our life, if we get close to God we can be directed and use His wisdom to find answers to every question. By reading the scriptures, praying, and living His commandments, we will get a witness of His wisdom. See THOUGHT TREAT Confidence Cookies (above).
#2 EXAMPLE King David fighting the Philistines
2 Samuel 5:19-24 “And when David inquired of the Lord … And David did so, as the Lord had commanded him; and …”
King David provides a great example. Instead of relying on his past military experience (to conquer the Philistines), he inquired of the Lord for direction and followed His specific counsel. Wow! We too can fight our life’s battles with the Lord’s help.
*MORE LESSON LIFESAVER IDEAS.
See Lesson 11 “Abraham and Isaac” (HERE).
Help children/youth memorize Proverbs 3:4-6 (illustrated above) and recite it.
The lesson helps children understand that we should trust Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ completely.
SITUATIONS where trust is needed:
When praying for something, say, “Thy will be done.”
When attending church, listen, participate, and learn.
Then try living gospel principles. For example, when tempted to do wrong, choose the right like Jesus (who refused to do wrong things).
When someone tries to hurt your feelings, show love instead of anger, and forgive them. In Luke 23:34, we learn that Jesus prayed, saying, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”
Caring and Sharing
Express your gratitude for the sacrifices Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ made for you. Bear testimony that when we trust in them and obey their commandments, we will be blessed.
You’ll love using the Bright Ideas Lesson Planner page included in the pdf download (with the above activity).
SUMMARY:
We are not alone; we have a Father in heaven, a Savior, a Spirit to guide us in our life journey . . . why not rely on God (all three members of the Godhead) to guide us?
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Proverbs 3:7 “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.”
Proverbs 3:13 “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.”
OT11