BY THE END OF STORM, WE WANT STUDENTS TO KNOWthat contentment grows as we learn to trust Jesus rather than depending on our circumstances.

WE WANT STUDENTS TO BE ABLE TO practice gratitude and contentment regardless of their current circumstances.

LEADER NOTE: Tonight’s conversation about worry and contentment requires some care.  Don’t present anxiety as a sign that someone isn’t trusting God enough, and don’t imply. that prayer will immediately make difficult feelings disappear. Jesus’ invitation is to bring our worries into God’s care, not to feel ashamed for experiencing them.

Contentment also isn’t passivity. It doesn’t mean students shouldn’t have goals, work toward change, leave harmful situations, or hope for something better. Paul can say that he has learned contentment while also saying that he is still “pressing on.”

And be careful that gratitude doesn’t become comparison: “You should be grateful because someone else has it worse.” Gratitude doesn’t minimize what’s painful. It helps us notice that what’s painful isn’t the only thing that’s present.