As teenagers, navigating through the challenges and uncertainties of life can be overwhelming at times. It’s crucial for us to build a strong foundation of faith that will sustain us through these moments. One way we can do this is by learning to trust in God’s promises. In today’s Sunday school lesson, we will explore Isaiah 51:1-6 and Psalm 138 to understand the importance of placing our trust in God and how it can transform our lives.
Bible Reading: Isaiah 51:1-6
“Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn; look to Abraham, your father, and to Sarah, who gave you birth. When I called him, he was only one man, and I blessed him and made him many. The Lord will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; he will make her deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing. Listen to me, my people; hear me, my nation: Instruction will go out from me; my justice will become a light to the nations. My righteousness draws near speedily, my salvation is on the way, and my arm will bring justice to the nations. The islands will look to me and wait in hope for my arm. Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies. But my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail.” (Isaiah 51:1-6 NIV)
Explanation
- God calls us to listen and seek righteousness.
- We are encouraged to look back at the faithfulness of Abraham and Sarah, who were blessed by God despite their human limitations.
- The Lord promises comfort and restoration for His people.
- God’s salvation and justice will reach all nations.
- The temporal nature of this world, compared to the eternal nature of God’s salvation.
Discussion Questions
- How does remembering the faithfulness of God’s promises in the past encourage us to trust Him in our present circumstances?
- What are some challenges or ruins in your life that you need God’s comfort and compassion for?
- What does it mean for God’s justice to become a light to the nations?
- How can we actively lift up our eyes to the heavens and focus on the eternal, rather than getting caught up in worldly pursuits?
- What practical steps can we take to grow in our trust in God’s promises?
Bible Reading: Psalm 138
“I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; before the gods I will sing your praise. I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness, for you have so exalted your solemn decree that it surpasses your fame. When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me. May all the kings of the earth praise you, Lord, when they hear what you have decreed. May they sing of the ways of the Lord, for the glory of the Lord is great. Though the Lord is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly; though lofty, he sees them from afar. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me.” (Psalm 138:1-7 NIV)
Explanation
- The psalmist declares his wholehearted praise and worship to the Lord.
- God’s unfailing love and faithfulness are recognized and celebrated.
- The psalmist testifies to answered prayers and being strengthened by God.
- The psalmist desires that all kings and people on earth would acknowledge and praise the ways of the Lord.
- God is exalted, yet He extends His kindness to the humble.
- Even in the midst of trouble, God preserves and saves His people.
Discussion Questions
- How does genuine praise and worship deepen our trust in God’s promises?
- In what ways have you experienced God’s unfailing love and faithfulness in your life?
- How can we encourage others, including those in positions of power, to recognize and praise the ways of the Lord?
- What comfort do you find in knowing that God sees and protects you even in the midst of trouble?
- How can we cultivate a spirit of humility and acknowledge God’s greatness in our daily lives?
Youth Group Game: “Trust Walk”
Divide the teenagers into pairs. One person will be blindfolded while the other
person will guide them through an obstacle course or around the room. The blindfolded person must trust their partner’s directions and navigate safely. After each pair completes the course, switch roles and repeat.
This game is a fun and interactive way to explore the theme of trust. It challenges teenagers to rely on someone else’s guidance and builds trust within the group.
Closing Prayer
Let us bow our heads and close this lesson in prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the opportunity to gather here today and explore the importance of trusting in Your promises. We are grateful for the examples of faithfulness in the lives of Abraham, Sarah, and the psalmist. Help us to remember Your faithfulness in our own lives and to trust in You wholeheartedly.
Lord, we ask for Your comfort and compassion in our times of struggle and ruin. May we find joy and gladness in You, knowing that Your salvation is everlasting. As we face the challenges of this world, remind us to lift our eyes to You and focus on the eternal rather than the temporary.
We pray that You would continue to strengthen and embolden us, just as You did for the psalmist. May our praise and worship be wholehearted and bring glory to Your name. Teach us to humble ourselves before You and acknowledge Your greatness in all aspects of our lives.
Thank you for being our protector and preserver even in the midst of trouble. We trust in Your unfailing love and faithfulness, knowing that You are with us every step of the way.
In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.