Beforehand, cut enough paper strips so every participant gets two. On half of the strips, write one negative statement from the following list, and on the rest, write one positive statement. Make sure each strip has a match, and keep a master list for yourself. You can add other pairs to this list:
Negative: I'm too tired.
Positive: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30).
Negative: Nobody really loves me.
Positive: I love you (John 3:16).
Negative: I'm not smart enough.
Positive: I give you wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30).
Negative: I can't do it.
Positive: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13).
Negative: I'm afraid.
Positive: I have not given you a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7).
Negative: I feel all alone.
Positive: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).
Negative: I'm always worried.
Positive: Cast all your cares on me (1 Peter 5:7).
Hand one positive slip and one negative slip (but not a matching pair) to each person.
Then tell each person to find the positive for his or her negative by asking others what they have.
When kids find their matching positives, they get to keep them. (Their original positives go to the people who have the matching negatives.)
After everyone finds a match, gather in a circle and take turns reading each negative, followed immediately by its positive. Close in prayer, thanking God for his encouragement and promises.