Made to Thrive: Cultivating Joy and Hope in a Stressed-Out World
Life can sometimes feel overwhelming—filled with worries, pressures, and stress. But God created us not just to survive these challenges, but to thrive despite them. Thriving means experiencing deep joy and genuine hope, even when things aren’t perfect. God invites us to choose joy, to see His goodness around us, and to embrace hope because He is always at work in our lives. By shifting our focus to gratitude, celebrating small blessings, and trusting in God’s promises, we can find joy that rises above our circumstances. As a family, let’s learn to thrive together, embracing the fullness of life that God offers us each day.
Key Bible Verse (Memorize/Reflect)
"Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)
Discussion Questions
Family Activity/Challenge "Joy Jar" Activity:
Find a jar and label it your family's "Joy Jar." Each day, have each family member write down something they're grateful for or that brought them joy and place it in the jar. At the end of the week, gather together, read each note aloud, and celebrate the moments of joy and gratitude you've collected. Let this practice remind your family to consistently look for joy and hope, no matter the circumstances.
Life can sometimes feel overwhelming—filled with worries, pressures, and stress. But God created us not just to survive these challenges, but to thrive despite them. Thriving means experiencing deep joy and genuine hope, even when things aren’t perfect. God invites us to choose joy, to see His goodness around us, and to embrace hope because He is always at work in our lives. By shifting our focus to gratitude, celebrating small blessings, and trusting in God’s promises, we can find joy that rises above our circumstances. As a family, let’s learn to thrive together, embracing the fullness of life that God offers us each day.
Key Bible Verse (Memorize/Reflect)
"Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)
Discussion Questions
- Young Children (3-7 yrs):
- What is something that makes you feel happy? How can you thank God for that today?
- Older Kids (8-12 yrs):
- What are some small things you can be joyful about, even on a difficult day? How does thanking God change how you feel?
- Teens (13-18 yrs):
- How does stress affect your joy? What practical ways can you practice gratitude and hope to counteract stress this week?
- Adults:
- How can cultivating gratitude and joy transform your family's daily life? What intentional practices can you establish together to regularly choose joy?
Family Activity/Challenge "Joy Jar" Activity:
Find a jar and label it your family's "Joy Jar." Each day, have each family member write down something they're grateful for or that brought them joy and place it in the jar. At the end of the week, gather together, read each note aloud, and celebrate the moments of joy and gratitude you've collected. Let this practice remind your family to consistently look for joy and hope, no matter the circumstances.