In this lesson, children learn that God hears us even when we are sad, scared, or hurting, and that it is good to tell Him about it. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. It works well for a family devotion or a Sunday school class.
Big Idea
God wants to hear it when we feel sad. We can always tell Him how we feel, even when things are very hard.
Memory Verse
Lamentations 3:22-23
22 It is because of the LORD’s loving kindnesses that we are not consumed, because his compassion doesn’t fail. 23 They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness.
(WEB)
Have the children hold both hands out wide, then bring them together over their hearts, the way you would hold a warm cup. Say the verse slowly with the motion, then have everyone say it together three times while the motion stays the same.
The Story: Lamentations 1 for Kids
Long ago, there was a city called Jerusalem. It was a happy, busy place full of people. Its people loved God, and many other nations looked up to it. But the people had turned away from God many times, and they did not listen to Him.
Then enemy armies came. The people of Jerusalem were taken away from their homes. The streets that used to be full of laughter became quiet and empty. The gates were empty, and no one came to the big gathering at the temple to worship God anymore.
The city cried like a little girl who has lost her family. Its tears ran down its cheeks in the night. It had no one to comfort it, and even its old friends had turned against it. The people felt very ashamed and very alone. One of them cried out, “Look, Lord, and see how sad I am!”
The people did not hide their feelings. They sighed, they cried, and they told God exactly how hurt they were. They did not pretend everything was fine. They spoke honestly to the God who had always been with them.
The story of Jerusalem is sad, and it is okay for us to feel sad when we read it. God did not turn away from His people, even when they were in trouble. He still listened to their prayers, and He still loved them.
Read It Together
Lamentations 1:1
How the city sits solitary, that was full of people! She has become as a widow, who was great among the nations! She who was a princess among the provinces has become a slave!
(WEB)
Point out that the city used to be full of people, but now it sits alone. Ask the children what it feels like to be lonely, and remind them that God knows exactly how that feels.
Lamentations 1:16
“For these things I weep. My eye, my eye runs down with water, because the comforter who should refresh my soul is far from me. My children are desolate, because the enemy has prevailed.”
(WEB)
Show the children how the writer cried over the sadness. Explain that it is good to cry and that God understands our tears.
Lamentations 1:20
“Look, the LORD; for I am in distress. My heart is troubled. My heart turns over within me, for I have grievously rebelled. Abroad, the sword bereaves. At home, it is like death.
(WEB)
Point out the words “I am in distress.” Tell the children that the writer was honest with God about being troubled, and that we can be honest with God too.
Talk About It
- What is something that made you feel sad this week?
- How do you feel when you talk to someone who listens carefully to you?
- Why do you think the people of Jerusalem wanted God to see their sadness?
- What is one thing you could say to God when you feel scared or sad?
- How can you help a friend who is feeling lonely or sad?
Activity Ideas
Tear Drop Art
You will need paper, watercolor paint or water mixed with a little blue food coloring, and a cotton swab for each child. Have the children draw a simple face with a sad expression. Then let them dab blue drops below the eyes to show tears. As they work, talk about how God sees our tears and cares about them.
Cushion Comfort Game
You will need a few soft pillows or cushions. Ask one child to sit in the middle of the room and pretend to be sad. Other children take turns gently patting the pillow beside them and saying a kind word, such as “God sees you” or “You are not alone.” Switch roles so everyone has a turn to comfort and to be comforted.
Prayer Feelings Card
You will need index cards, crayons, and a pen. Have each child draw a face showing how they feel today, then write or draw one thing they want to tell God. Encourage them to keep the card by their bed or in their backpack and look at it when they pray during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Lamentations 1 is a raw and honest poem of grief over the fall of Jerusalem. The writer does not hide the pain, and does not pretend the sin of the people was not real. Yet the book also shows that honest sorrow can be brought directly to God, and that prayer is a healthy way to handle deep loss.
Be careful not to make the lesson sound as if sadness always has a neat ending or that children will never be hurt again. Keep the focus on God hearing and caring, rather than promising that every hard feeling will disappear quickly.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for listening to us when we feel sad or scared. We can tell You anything, and You always hear us. Help us remember that You love us even on hard days. Amen.
