This lesson teaches children that God is with us even when we feel very sad and alone. Job 17 is a passage where a man named Job talks to God while he is hurting, and it shows that it is okay to tell God how we really feel. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
When we feel sad or alone, we can always talk to God, and He will still be with us. We do not have to pretend we are fine.
Memory Verse
Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
(WEB)
Put one hand on your heart and then reach both arms up high, like you are reaching for a big hug from God. Say the verse together while you move your arms. Do this each time you say it.
The Story: Job 17 for Kids
Job was a good man who loved God very much. One day, many terrible things happened to him. He lost his animals, his house, and his children. Then he became very sick, and his body hurt all over. Job felt like he was almost gone, and he did not know what would happen next.
Some of Job’s friends came to visit him, but they did not help him feel better. They said mean and unkind things. Job felt like people were laughing at him and even spitting on him. He felt so sad that his eyes got dim, like he could not see clearly anymore.
Job did not hide his feelings from God. He talked to God about how tired and scared he was. He said, in his own words, that he did not know where his hope was. He wondered if he would ever feel better again.
Job still kept talking to God. Even when he felt like giving up, he did not stop trusting God. He told God honestly what was in his heart. God knew everything Job was feeling, and God was still with Job during that hard time.
Job’s story shows us that God does not want us to be quiet when we are hurting. We can bring our sad feelings to God just like Job did. God listens to us, even when we are scared or worried.
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 told God he felt like his spirit was used up and his days were almost over. Explain that Job was being honest about his pain, and it is okay for children to be honest about their feelings too.
Job 17:7
My eye also is dim by reason of sorrow. All my members are as a shadow.
(WEB)
Show children that Job felt very worn out and sad, and his body felt weak. Let them know that God sees us when we feel tired and weak, just as He saw Job.
Job 17:9
Yet shall the righteous hold on his way. He who has clean hands shall grow stronger and stronger.
(WEB)
Point out that even in his trouble, Job kept on trusting God and kept going. Explain that holding on to God helps us stay strong, even when things are hard.
Talk About It
- What is one thing that makes you feel sad or scared sometimes?
- How did Job feel when his friends said mean things to him?
- What is something you could tell God if you were feeling sad today?
- Why do you think Job still talked to God, even though he was hurting?
- Who is someone you can go to when you feel lonely, and how can you remember that God is always with you?
Activity Ideas
Feelings Heart Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Ask each child to draw a big heart on the paper and cut it out. Inside the heart, have them draw or write a feeling they sometimes have, like sad, tired, or worried. Talk together about how God is with us in each feeling.
Lean on Me Game
You will need a open space in your room or classroom. Have the children pair up and take turns standing still while the other gently holds their hand or stands close by. Explain that this is like God being close to us when we feel weak. Finish by saying together that God is always near.
Prayer Jar at Home
You will need an empty jar, a few slips of paper, and a pen or pencil. Show the child how to write or draw a worry or feeling on a slip of paper and put it in the jar. Each night, read a few slips together and pray about them. This helps children remember that they can always talk to God.
Teacher Notes
Job 17 shows that a faithful person can be honest with God about deep sadness and still hold on to trust in Him. The passage does not hide Job’s pain, and it reminds adults that lament is a real and welcome way to speak to God. Adults can learn that honesty with God is part of a living faith.
When teaching children, avoid suggesting that God causes bad things to happen to us, or that anyone who is sad is not trusting God enough. Keep the focus on God’s presence and care rather than on explaining why suffering happens.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we thank You that we can talk to You about everything, even when we feel sad or scared. Help us remember that You are always with us and that You hear every word we say. Keep us close to You each day. Amen.
