INTRODUCTION

God Provides Water

Bible Point:

God is patient with us.

Key Verse:

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters” (Psalm 23:1-2).

Big Picture:

Turn to God when you feel panicked.

God Provides Water

Exodus 17:1-7

Peer pressure can be very powerful, especially when it shows up as gossip or constant complaining. When people around you are upset, it can be easy to join in without even realizing it. The Israelites felt afraid and unsure while traveling through the desert, and over time those feelings turned into panic and arguing. Even then, God stayed patient and caring toward them. This week, you will learn that when life feels hard and negativity is all around, you can choose to trust God’s love instead of panicking or going along with the crowd.

PLANTING THE SEED

Now all the Israelites were in the desert, and it’s a good bet it was hot — deserts usually are. So the people were thirsty. The Israelites began to worry and that worry grew into a panic and they blamed Moses and then God for their situation: “You brought us out of Egypt to die!” But God led Moses to a rock and told Moses to strike it—and out came water! Moses named it Massah and Meribah because the people quarreled and tested the Lord.

• What’s a situation you’ve worried or panicked about recently?

• Instead of worrying about our situations, how can we trust God in the midst of them?

FAMILY FUN

Everyone has an older relative who remembers the “bad old days,” back when you had to walk to school—in the snow—and it was uphill both ways. It’s true some people do have a hard life, but worrying can spiral into panic, which can lead to us forgetting that God is with us!

So here’s a game for your family. Ask one person to share a worry and the next person tries to top it dramatically. Then the next person in line has to top that and so on and so on, for example,

“What if our car breaks down while on a roadtrip?!”

“What if it breaks down while on a roadtrip in the middle of the desert?!”

“What if we were stuck in the desert without a car and no phone?!”

Keep going until you get stuck. Then begin again with a different worry! Then discuss the game within your family.

• Does adding to a worry help a fear or make the panic worse?

• Why do you think God allows scary situations?

• How can turning to God be helpful in this situation? with us.

READY, SET, GROW!

• Notice one time this week when you start to worry. Pause and pray a short prayer like, “God, thank you for being patient and caring for me.” Then take one helpful next step. Notice what changes in your attitude.

• Write a short psalm or prayer (4–6 lines) thanking God for patience, provision, and love. If you want, turn it into a chant or song.

• Think of five things you often worry about. Then think of three reasons to be thankful for each of those things.