Note to the Teacher

The key phrase for this lesson is joy in trust. The discussion encourages students to explore what it means to experience sorrow and joy and celebrate when appropriate. The activity helps youth understand that trust helps us find hope in the Lord and laughter with others. Times are based on a fifty-five-minute lesson period but may be adjusted.

ICEBREAKER/GAME/ORGANIZING ACTIVITY (15 minutes)

“51 Youth Ministry Games & Icebreakers”

READ SCRIPTURE (5 minutes)

Today's scripture reading involves “God doing great things” and celebration.

Read Psalm 126.

Listen to “Cover Me with Sunshine” by P!nk. (If you or the youth have other songs they would like to include or make links within discussions, please be creative. It simply takes a bit more planning.)

DISCUSSION (15 minutes)

What does Psalm 126 say about laughter? What do verses 5 and 6 have to do with the transformation that happens between sorrow and joy? (Those verses use words for planting and preparing the earth to provide food for people. As a possible follow-up, do you think this psalm says we need to be active partners with God to transform sorrow into joy and weeping into laughter?)
How does "Cover Me in Sunshine” echo the idea of moving from sorrow to joy?
In the song, the main artist is singing alongside her biological daughter. Can you name a time when you connected with someone in a different generation and sparked joy?
We often pray in difficult times for hope and support, like some of the psalms from earlier weeks. We can also pray prayers of thanksgiving when we experience joy or happiness. When was the last time you prayed a “thank you” to God and what was it about?
During the Easter story, especially during Holy Week (which is not far away), Jesus and the disciples move from the darkness of Jesus’ suffering to the joy of his resurrection. Are there phrases in Psalm 126 and "Cover Me in Sunshine" that point to a similar journey or transformation?
Psalm 126 was written for people who had experienced captivity and exile but hoped for a new future. How might that compare to the struggles people go through today? Think locally and globally.
Some people struggle to believe in joy and restoration when life is difficult. Do you think faith requires us to always feel joyful, or does it mean holding onto hope even when joy feels far away? Do you think it is possible to feel joyful all the time? Why or why not?
What do you think it means to trust in God's promises, even when you don’t see them fulfilled?

ACTIVITY AND DISCUSSION (20 minutes)

Take this lesson to the next level by building trust by completing a blind obstacle course.

Blindfolded Obstacle Course

1. Arrange chairs, furniture, cones, or other objects into a course that must be navigated from start to finish. If time and space allow, you can tape the path on the floor for additional support.

2. Pair Up and Assign Roles

One youth will be blindfolded (the walker).
The other will be the guide, responsible for verbally leading their partner.

3. Explain the Purpose

This activity is about trust, listening, and careful guidance.
The blindfolded person must fully rely on their partner to navigate safely.
The guide must communicate clearly and with care.

4. Establish Ground Rules

The guide cannot physically touch the blindfolded person—only verbal instructions are allowed.
The walker must listen and follow instructions carefully.
Safety first! The guide should be attentive and responsible.

5. Begin the Walk

The guide verbally directs the walker through the course, using specific instructions like: