Family Overview
Peace holds within itself trust in the Lord, the trust that He governs all things and provides all things,
and that He leads towards an end that is good (Arcana Coelestia 8455).
The attitude of trusting in the Lord is a spiritual orientation that can give us great peace of mind. For those who trust in the Lord have faith that He is guiding them toward eternal happiness. But this trust does not come easily. We are inclined to feel that we are in charge, and that only we know what will make us truly happy. As we learn more about the Lord’s infinite love and His Divine providence, we may find it easier to rely on Him and have confidence that He is guiding us.
FAMILY WORSHIP: Trusting in the Lord
- Talk about some stories in the Word which illustrate trusting in the Lord. Examples include David and Goliath, Daniel and the lions’ den, and the fiery furnace.
- Talk about some stories in the Word which seem to illustrate a lack of trust in the Lord. Examples include Moses striking the rock and the spies who went into the promised land.
- Let each member of the family take turns reading the
 Trust Cards which have quotes from the Word about trusting in the Lord. Talk about ways that you can apply these ideas to your life.
SING: Trust and Obey (PDF)
READ: “Trust in the Lord” by the Rt. Rev. Alfred A. Acton
What is trust in the Lord? One who trusts in the Lord loves Him and looks to Him in all things. And this trust brings peace, because it opens a person’s mind to the Lord’s infinite love and wisdom.
ACTIVITY: Food for Thought—Trusting in the Lord (for teens and up) (PDF)
A one page handout that can be used for discussion about trusting in the Lord. First read ideas from the Heavenly Doctrine, then answer true-false questions about the reading as a basis for discussion.
PROJECT: Trusting in the Lord Bookmarks (for teens and up) (PDF)
Print out these beautiful bookmarks with quotes about trusting in the Lord.
JOURNAL: I Trust the Lord to... (PDF)
Think about the teaching that the Lord is most concerned with our eternal welfare. Write down some of the things that you trust Him to do so that you may be led to heavenly happiness.
For example:
“I trust that the Lord wants to lead me to heaven.”
“I trust that the Lord loves me and is caring for me.”
“I trust that the Lord will provide everything necessary for my eternal welfare.”
See also the Prayers on Trusting in the Lord:
Children’s Prayers (PDF)
Teen Prayers on Trusting God (PDF)
Prayers on Trusting in the Providence of God (PDF)
SING: If Thou But Ask the Lord to Guide Thee (PDF)
CROSSING THE RED SEA
“Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord” (Exodus 14:13).
When the children of Israel see the Egyptians following them to the Red Sea, they are frightened and think they will surely die. But Moses tells them, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today…. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall have your peace” (Ex. 14:13,14). Then we read of one of many miracles the Lord did while leading the children of Israel to the promised land. Even as the Lord took care of the Israelites, so He lovingly cares for all of His children.
READ: “Crossing the Red Sea” by the Rev. Harold Cranch
If we remember to turn to the Lord and ask Him to help us do what is right, He will lead us on the path which will bring us to our promised land—to heaven!
FAMILY WORSHIP: Crossing the Red Sea
Use the Family Lesson to study this story together. Start by reading the family talk on “The Pillar of Cloud and Fire” by the Rev. Donald Rose. Then select some of the activities for different ages which include making a small diorama (PDF), demonstrating “Crossing the Red Sea” (PDF), doing a crossword puzzle (PDF), and making a pillar of fire candleholder (PDF).
PROJECT: Pillar of Fire Wax-Resist Picture (PDF)
The Lord was with the children of Israel in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Use oil pastels or wax crayons to make the pillar of fire, then brush a dark blue or black watercolor wash over it all to picture the pillar at night.
PROJECT: Diorama of the Crossing of the Red Sea (PDF)
Photographs show a sample diorama with crumpled tissue paper making the “walls of water” on either side and clay figures going across the Red Sea on dry ground.
JOURNAL PAGE: Crossing the Red Sea (ages 8-10) (PDF)
SING: Crossing the Red Sea by Lori Odhner (PDF)
FOR REFLECTION: Don’t Just Do Something, Stand There!
There times when we need to “stand still” and contemplate what the Lord is doing for us, rather than rush into action ourselves or be consumed with worry. How can we know when to act and when to be still? Reflect on these passages:
“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
“Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord” (Exodus 14:13).
SPIRITUAL TASK: Moving Through Our Fears (PDF)
Explains the meaning of the story and sets a spiritual goal or task: The sea of doubts will part for us when we stand still (pray, reflect) and move forward (follow the Lord’s truth as we have come to understand it). This week take time to “stand still” to listen to the Lord’s leading.
ACTIVITY: Review the Story of Exodus(for ages 6-12) (PDF)
Use picture cards to help children review how the Lord led the children of Israel out of Egypt.
CONCERN FOR THE MORROW
“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,
and all these things shall be added to you.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow” (Matthew 6:34).
The Lord does not want us to be anxious about the future, because anxiety draws our minds away from thinking about spiritual things. Trusting that the Lord is with us, providing all that we need for our spiritual welfare, can help us maintain a healthy perspective on life.
READ: “Taking Care for the Morrow” by the Rev. Kurt Horigan Asplundh
The Lord tells us not to worry about tomorrow. This doesn’t mean that we aren’t supposed to concern ourselves with providing food and clothing and other such things for ourselves and our family. We must work and plan for the future but trust that the Lord has the ability and the desire to lead us to heavenly happiness.
COLORING PAGE: Consider the Lilies (all ages) (PDF)
Picture of lilies of the field and birds of the air with the quotation from Matthew 6:26,28).
READ: “Seek First the Kingdom of God” a talk by Rev. Frank S. Rose (PDF)
The most important thing for us to do is to think about the Lord and try to obey what He says.
ACTIVITY: Looking More Closely at Flowers (PDF)
Ways to help children appreciate the beauty of flowers the Lord has created.
JOURNAL PAGE: Living in the Present and Looking to the Future (teens and up) (PDF)
The Lord wants us to have confidence that He is leading us to eternal happiness, but be fully involved in the process, cooperating with Him. Think about your goals for the future. What are some things that you can do to help you reach those goals? To make the best use of each new day, “Trust in the Lord and do good” (Psalm 37:3).
READ: “Everything Is Going to Be All Right” by the Rev. Donald L. Rose (teens and up)
When you comfort a person in real trouble or distress, you may find yourself saying, “Everything is going to be all right.” And you are telling the truth! Is it because you have some special knowledge and can predict the future? No, it is true because the Lord has all power and loves and cares for us.
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