Bible Activities - So Don't Worry

So Don't Worry

by Mike

Worrying tears away at being able to enjoy the many pleasures life brings.

Materials:
Copies of handout for each child

Duration:
Approximately 5 minutes

Topics:
Habit, Peace, Worry

Target Audience:
Grades 2-5 (Ages 7-11)

Click here for Handout

Preparation:
Before class, print or make copies of the handout for each child.

What you will do:
First, give children a copy of the handout, and have them examine the pictures. Explain to the class that everything on the page is something enjoyable. Having a happy birthday, getting a shiny new bike, being able to play in "the big game of the season", going to the circus and of course, getting a new little puppy. Ask the children "Which of these would you like to have or do?" Explain that worrying can take away from having the ability to enjoy these things to the fullest. "What kinds of things do you worry about?"

If the children do not offer examples of things they worry about, you can suggest the following:
1. Worrying about getting a good grade on a test
2. Worrying about whether other children in the neighborhood will like you
3. Worrying about you mom or dad finding out you did something wrong
4. Worrying about what others will think if you do not do well at sports
5. Worrying about the way you look

As you share the first example of something the children might worry about, have them tear off the Birthday cake from the handout, and toss it in the trash. Give another example and have them tear off the bicycle and toss it into the trash. Repeat giving examples and tearing away at the pictures on the paper until the children have nothing left.

Explain that worrying can be like this. If we spend too much time worrying, or if we worry about too many things, what should be enjoyable is not any more. So what should we do when something happens that might cause us to worry? The Bible says, "Cast all your worries upon Him, because he cares for you" (1Peter 5:7) so let Jesus do the worrying, so you can enjoy the things God gives you.