In this lesson, children learn that Job was honest with God about his sadness, and that God is still near even when life feels very hard. Teach this lesson to children ages 5 to 11. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
It is okay to tell God how we really feel, and God is still with us in the dark. Our hope is in God, even when we cannot see the way forward yet.
Memory Verse
Job 17:9
Yet shall the righteous hold on his way. He who has clean hands shall grow stronger and stronger.
(WEB)
Hold both hands out in front of you, then slowly bring them together and hold them tight. Say the verse together as you hold your hands, and remember that God helps us keep going when we feel weak.
The Story: Job 17 for Kids
Job was a good man who loved God. Terrible things had happened to him. He lost his children, his animals, and his health, and he felt very sad and very tired. Some of his friends had come to visit, but they did not always help him feel better. Some of them even said mean things to him.
In Job 17, Job talks honestly to God about how he feels. He says his days are almost over and his spirit feels broken. He feels as though the grave is waiting for him. He is not hiding his tears or pretending everything is fine. Job tells God exactly what is on his heart.
Job also remembers that people were mocking him. Some people spit at him and treated him badly. His eyes grew dim because of all his sorrow. He wondered where his hope had gone, and he asked a big question: “Where then is my hope?” Job felt lost in the darkness, and he did not know what would happen next.
But Job did not stop talking to God. Even in his pain, he kept telling God the truth. Job remembered that God was still there, and he kept his trust in God. Job’s story shows us that God wants to hear our honest feelings, even the sad and scary ones.
Read It Together
Job 17:1
“My spirit is consumed. My days are extinct, And the grave is ready for me.
(WEB)
Point out that Job begins by saying his spirit is weak and his days feel finished. Explain that Job was not afraid to tell God how tired and sad he felt. Children can see that talking to God honestly is a good thing to do.
Job 17:7-9
7 My eye also is dim by reason of sorrow. All my members are as a shadow. 8 Upright men shall be astonished at this. The innocent shall stir up himself against the godless. 9 Yet shall the righteous hold on his way. He who has clean hands shall grow stronger and stronger.
(WEB)
Show children that even when Job felt very sad, he still said that people who keep following God will grow stronger. Ask them to notice the word “stronger” and talk about how God helps us grow strong inside. This reminds children that God can give us strength when we feel weak.
Job 17:15
Where then is my hope? as for my hope, who shall see it?
(WEB)
Point out Job’s question, “Where then is my hope?” Explain that Job was searching for hope in a hard time. Tell children that God is the one who gives us real hope, even when we feel like we cannot find it.
Talk About It
- What is one feeling Job shared with God in this story?
- How do you feel when you tell someone the truth about a sad thing?
- What did Job do even when his friends were not kind to him?
- Why do you think God wants us to talk to Him about our feelings?
- What is one way you can remember that God is with you when things feel dark?
Activity Ideas
Dark Sky, Bright Star Drawing
You will need a sheet of black or dark blue paper, white crayons or chalk, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a small star in the dark sky, then talk about how the star shows that light can still shine in dark places. Let children add a word or picture of something that helps them feel brave.
Stay Strong Stand Up Game
Have children sit in a circle or a line. Say a feeling word like “sad” or “tired,” and have children sit down. Then say “God is with me,” and have everyone stand up tall and stretch their arms wide. Repeat several times, reminding children that God gives us strength to stand back up.
Hope Card to Take Home
You will need an index card, markers, and a small paper clip. Help each child write or draw one thing they want to tell God, then add a small drawing of a heart or a star. Clip the card together with a second card, or tuck it into a pocket. Encourage children to share the card at home and pray about it together.
Teacher Notes
Job 17 shows that faithful people can be honest with God about deep pain without losing their trust in Him. Job speaks openly about grief, weakness, and lost hope, yet he keeps speaking to God rather than turning away. For adults, this passage offers permission to bring raw feelings into prayer and to trust that God is still listening.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the idea that God always removes sadness right away. Job’s story does not end in Chapter 17, and children should not be left believing that honest prayer guarantees that hard feelings will vanish quickly. Focus instead on the truth that God hears us and stays near us in every season.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that we can tell You how we really feel. When we feel sad or scared, help us remember that You are still with us. Give us strength to keep trusting You, even in the dark. We love You. Amen.
