Big Feelings: Taking Them to God · Lesson 1
Big Feelings: Worry
Genesis 32:3-21; Genesis 33:1-11; Philippians 4:6-7; Luke 15:20 Old Testament PrinciplePeace
Jacob was going home after twenty years, and his brother Esau was coming to meet him with 400 men. Jacob was "greatly afraid and distressed." He made worried plans. But then he prayed. He thanked God, reminded himself of God's promises and asked for help. And when Esau came, he ran to Jacob and hugged him! Worry is a big feeling we can take to God. When we pray with thanks, God gives His peace to guard our hearts.
Worry is a big feeling God invites us to bring to Him. When we pray, ask and thank Him, His peace guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
- CreationGod made it
- FallWe broke it
- RedemptionJesus fixes it (this lesson)
- RestorationJesus makes it new
Memory verse
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Philippians 4:6 BSB
Christ Connection · God’s love
Jacob expected an angry brother. Instead Esau "ran to meet him… threw his arms around his neck and kissed him" (Genesis 33:4). Jesus used the very same picture for God. In His story of the lost son, the father "ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him" (Luke 15:20). In Jesus, God has already run to meet us. "He who did not spare His own Son… how will He not also, along with Him, freely give us all things?" (Romans 8:32). We bring our worries to a Father who is for us.
Luke 15:20; Romans 8:32; 1 Peter 5:7; Philippians 4:6-7
The Big Story · Redemption
God kept His promises to Jacob and brought him home in peace, pointing to the Father who runs to welcome us through Jesus.
Teacher Guide
This version includes:
- Background and context for the passage
- Hidden in Plain Sight: the detail most people miss
- The Christ Connection: how this story points to Jesus
- A 50-minute class plan and prep checklist
- Object lesson: The worry backpack
- Theo’s Workshop (build challenge): Jacob's worry math
- A skit to act out the story
- Review game: Drop the worry
- Pronunciation help, tips for every age, song ideas and a note for parents
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
Preschool (ages 3–5)
I can tell God my worries.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 4-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 3 discussion questions
- 2 activities: Worry, pray, peace, Color the praying child
- 6 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: at home, at school
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
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Free preview · Kindergarten – 2nd grade
Jacob was going home, and his brother Esau was coming with 400 men. Jacob was very worried. But he prayed! He thanked God and asked for help. When Esau came, he ran and hugged Jacob! Worry is a big feeling we can take to God. When we pray and say thank You, God gives us peace.
Memory verse
“In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Adapted from Philippians 4:6
Start here
Ask, "What does worry feel like in your body?" (Tummy ache, fast heart, can't sleep.) Say, "Today we start a new series called Big Feelings. First up is worry."
Bible story 6 min
Long ago, Jacob tricked his twin brother. His name was Esau. Esau got so mad that Jacob ran away. Twenty years went by.
Then God told Jacob, "Go back home." So Jacob packed up his big family. He took all his sheep and goats too. He sent men to tell Esau he was coming.
The men came back. "Esau is coming to meet you. He has 400 men with him!"
The rest of the story, discussion questions, songs, Live It and prayer are for members.
Try an activity
Worry toss 8 min
You’ll need: Sticky notes, Pencils
- Kids write or draw a worry on a sticky note and crumple it.
- Set a box or basket at the front labeled "God." Each child tosses their worry in and says, "God, I give You this. Thank You for…" and names one good thing.
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
3rd – 4th grade
After twenty years away, Jacob learned that his brother Esau was coming to meet him with 400 men. Jacob was "greatly afraid and distressed," but he prayed. He thanked God, remembered God's promise and asked for help. And Esau ran to hug him. Worry is a big feeling we can bring to God. When we pray with thanks, God's peace guards our hearts and minds.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 8-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 5 discussion questions
- 2 activities: Worry into prayer, Feelings check
- 6 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: at school, at home, with friends
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
5th – 6th grade
Jacob was walking toward the brother he had cheated, and Esau was coming with 400 men. Jacob was "greatly afraid and distressed," and he planned for disaster. But he also prayed, recounting God's kindness and pleading God's promise. Then Esau ran to embrace him. Worry is a real feeling, not a sin, and God invites us to bring it to Him. Prayer with thanksgiving doesn't always change our circumstances, but it brings the peace of God to guard our hearts and minds.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 10-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 5 discussion questions
- 2 activities: Anatomy of a worried prayer, Three and three
- 6 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: online and on screens, at home, with friends
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
More lessons on Peace
The same principle in other Bible stories.
Fruit of the SpiritFruit of the Spirit: PeaceJohn 20:19-21; John 14:27; Isaiah 53:5; Philippians 4:6-7On the first Easter evening, Jesus' friends hid behind locked doors, full of fear. Jesus came and stood among them. His first word was "Peace," and then He showed them His hands. Peace is a fruit of the Spirit. Jesus made peace between us and God at the cross, and His Spirit calms our worried hearts when we bring our fears to Him.New TestamentPeace
In the BeginningThrough the Red SeaExodus 14:1-31; Exodus 15:1-21When Israel was trapped between Pharaoh's army and the sea, God made a path through the water and fought for His people.Old TestamentPeace
Jesus the KingJesus Calms the StormMark 4:35-41; Psalm 107:23-31When a terrible storm hit the disciples' boat, Jesus woke up and said, "Peace, be still!" and the wind and waves obeyed Him.New TestamentFreePeace