Joy Object Lessons: Discovering Lasting Joy Through God’s Truth
Joy isn’t just a feeling—it’s a fruit of the Spirit and a deep confidence rooted in God’s presence. These engaging Object Lessons help illustrate how true joy doesn’t depend on circumstances but comes from knowing Christ. From a balloon that floats despite added weight to a glowing light hidden inside a jar, each lesson shines a light on what it means to rejoice in the Lord always. Perfect for Sunday school, family devotions, or small groups—show how joy in Jesus can lift hearts and change lives!
Object: A picture of a rainbow or a simple rainbow model Verse: “For his anger is but for a moment. His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may stay for the night, but joy comes in the morning.” —…
Object: A blooming flower (real or artificial, or even a picture of one) Verse: “The LORD, your God, is among you, a mighty one who will save. He will rejoice over you with joy. He will calm you…
Object: A key (could be a house key, car key, or large demonstration key) Verse: “I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.” — John 10:10 (WEB) Lesson: Hold up the key. A key…
Object: A cup or glass (you may also use water or juice to demonstrate filling it) Verse: “You have put gladness in my heart, more than when their grain and their new wine are increased.” — Psalm…
Object: A puzzle with some missing pieces Verse: Psalm 16:11 – “You will show me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy. In your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.”…
Object: A deflated balloon and an inflated balloon Verse: John 15:11 – “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” (WEB) Lesson: Hold up a deflated…
Object: A small tree with fruit (real or fake) or a picture of one Verse: John 15:5 – “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me…
Devotion:Crickets are often heard more than they are seen. Their chirping fills the night air, especially in warmer months. They sing constantly and consistently, often unnoticed but unwavering in…
IllustrationChoose four volunteers—two girls and two boys. Tell them you have a bag with candy that might be sweet, sour, or tasteless. One at a time, have them reach in, pick a piece, and wait for…
IllustrationChoose two volunteers. Give one several pieces of sweet candy to eat when you say go. Give the other several pieces of the sourest candy you can find to eat. Have everyone watch their…
IllustrationChoose five volunteers and ask each one to tell you one thing that makes them happy. After they share, ask them to each name something that makes them unhappy. Then say, “It’s easy to feel…
IllustrationSet up a candle and choose volunteers to try putting it out with a water gun, one at a time. Spiritual ApplicationGod wants you to have joy in your life. But sometimes, things happen that…
You Will Need: GET STARTED Send your children to another room while you find three drinks or food items, two that you know they like and at least one that you figure they won’t like. For…
They hiss and make up! Disagreements are bound to happen, but as followers of Christ, we are called to seek peace and reconciliation. Holding onto anger only hardens our hearts, but forgiving one…
“Hoppy Birthday!” The word “happiness” comes from the Old English word “hap,” which is related to chance or luck—like the word “happen.” That’s because happiness often depends on what happens to us…
“Let’s get this popping!” God wants us to live with enthusiasm and joy, just like the corn that says, “Let’s get this popping!” He calls us to celebrate His goodness, His creation, and the life we…