In this lesson, children learn that God is strong and good, so we can trust Him and be joyful even when things go wrong. It is best for children ages 5 to 11, and it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is always strong and faithful, so we can choose to trust Him and rejoice in Him even when our world feels scary or empty.
Memory Verse
Habakkuk 3:18
Yet I will rejoice in the LORD. I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
(WEB)
Stand tall with your arms stretched wide like a happy tree. Then pump your fists up in the air as you say the verse out loud together. Do this three times, getting a little louder each time.
The Story: Habakkuk 3 for Kids
Habakkuk was a prophet who lived a long time ago. He was worried because bad things were happening all around his country. He talked to God in prayer and told Him how much he needed God to help.
Habakkuk remembered the amazing things God had done in the past. He pictured God coming like the bright sunrise, with light shining from His hands. God is so powerful that mountains shake and the earth trembles when He comes near. The whole world knows His greatness.
Habakkuk saw troubles all around him. The fig trees had no figs, the vines had no grapes, and the fields had no food. The sheep and cows were gone from their pens. It seemed like there was nothing left to be happy about. Habakkuk was scared, and his knees shook.
But then Habakkuk made a choice. He said to himself, “Even if everything is gone, I will still rejoice in the Lord.” He decided to trust that God was still in control, even when he could not see the answers yet.
At the end of his prayer, Habakkuk said that God is his strength. He said God gives him steady feet, like a deer that can run and jump on the high rocks. Because of God, Habakkuk could walk bravely even in hard places.
Read It Together
Habakkuk 3:2
The LORD, I have heard of your fame. I stand in awe of your deeds, the LORD. Renew your work in the middle of the years. In the middle of the years make it known. In wrath, you remember mercy.
(WEB)
Point out that Habakkuk asks God to remember mercy even when He is angry. Explain that Habakkuk prays honestly, telling God what he feels, and that God is always kind even when people do wrong.
Habakkuk 3:17-18
17 For though the fig tree doesn’t flourish, nor fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive fails, the fields yield no food; the flocks are cut off from the fold, and there is no herd in the stalls: 18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD. I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
(WEB)
Show children how Habakkuk lists everything that went wrong, and then how he still says he will be joyful. Ask them to notice the word “yet,” which shows that choosing joy can come after a hard moment.
Habakkuk 3:19
The LORD, the Lord, is my strength. He makes my feet like deer’s feet, and enables me to go in high places. For the music director, on my stringed instruments.
(WEB)
Point out that God gives Habakkuk strength and helps him stand in high and scary places. Remind children that God gives us strength when we feel small or unsure too.
Talk About It
- What is something that made you feel scared or worried this week?
- What do you think Habakkuk was feeling when he saw the empty fields and barns?
- How did Habakkuk remember what God had done before, and how can you remember God’s goodness?
- What can you say to God when you are upset, like Habakkuk did?
- In what ways can God be your strength, like He was for Habakkuk?
Activity Ideas
Sunrise Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a sunrise over a hill, with yellow and orange rays coming out from the sun. Write the words “God is my strength” across the bottom. Let them take the picture home to remember that God is like the bright morning light.
Deer Feet Hop
You will need a open space and some masking tape to mark a few “high rocks” on the floor. Ask children to hop, leap, and tiptoe from rock to rock like a deer. Between each jump, have them say “The Lord is my strength.” This helps them move their bodies while they practice the verse.
Strength Card at Home
You will need index cards, a marker, and a pencil. Have each child write “God is my strength” on one side of the card and draw a small deer on the other side. Encourage them to place the card on the kitchen table or by their bed. Tell them to look at it whenever they feel worried.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that faith can be honest about pain and fear while still choosing trust in God. Habakkuk does not hide his struggle, yet he ends with a settled confidence in the Lord’s character. It reminds us that joy in God does not depend on our circumstances.
Avoid promising children that God will always give them what they want or that hard times will quickly disappear. Instead, focus on the truth that God is strong and faithful, and that He gives strength to walk through difficult days.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for being strong and good all the time. When we feel scared or sad, help us remember what You have done. Give us courage to trust You and to choose joy, even when things are hard. Thank You for giving us strength to stand tall and walk bravely. Amen.
