This lesson teaches children that God remembers His promises and forgives His people even when they forget Him. It suits ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, with time for the story, a verse, and an activity.
Big Idea
God never forgets His promises, and when we turn away from Him, He is ready to welcome us back with love.
Memory Verse
Psalm 106:1
Praise the LORD! Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever.
(WEB)
Have children stand tall, raise both hands high, and then wave them slowly from side to side like flags while saying “Give thanks to the LORD!” together. Repeat it three times, getting a little louder each time.
The Story: Psalm 106 for Kids
Long ago, God’s people, the Israelites, were slaves in the land of Egypt. They cried out for help, and God heard them. He sent Moses to lead them out of Egypt and toward a new home. God showed His power in amazing ways, but the people soon forgot what He had done for them.
When they reached the Red Sea, the people were scared. Pharaoh’s army was chasing them, and the water blocked their way. God split the sea so the people could walk across on dry ground. Then the waters closed over the enemy soldiers. The people finally believed God, and they sang songs of praise to Him.
But they forgot quickly. In the desert they grew hungry and complained. They even made a golden calf to worship instead of trusting the God who had saved them. Moses prayed for them, and God did not give up on His people. Many times they turned away, and many times God still showed mercy.
The story ends with a prayer. The writer asks God to gather His people back together and to save them once more. The people knew they had messed up, but they also knew that God is kind and faithful. “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel!” the people shouted together. God still loves His people even when they forget Him.
Read It Together
Psalm 106:4-5
4 Remember me, the LORD, with the favor that you show to your people. Visit me with your salvation, 5 that I may see the prosperity of your chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of your nation, that I may glory with your inheritance.
(WEB)
Point out that the writer asks God to remember His people. Explain that God’s remembering means He keeps His promises and cares for them, not that He forgets something and suddenly recalls it.
Psalm 106:7-8
7 Our fathers didn’t understand your wonders in Egypt. They didn’t remember the multitude of your loving kindnesses, but were rebellious at the sea, even at the Red Sea. 8 Nevertheless he saved them for his name’s sake, that he might make his mighty power known.
(WEB)
Show children how quickly the people forgot God’s wonders. Ask them to name a time they forgot something important, and talk about how remembering helps us trust God more each day.
Psalm 106:44-45
44 Nevertheless he regarded their distress, when he heard their cry. 45 He remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his loving kindnesses.
(WEB)
Point to the word “repented,” which means God changed His plans because of His great kindness. Explain that God listens when His people cry out and that His love is bigger than our mistakes.
Talk About It
- What did God do for the Israelites when they were slaves in Egypt?
- How did the people act when they were scared at the Red Sea?
- Why do you think the people forgot about God so fast?
- What did Moses do when the people turned away from God?
- How can you remember God’s kindness in your own life this week?
Activity Ideas
Red Sea Crayon Picture
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and blue painter’s tape or string. Have each child draw the Red Sea with two walls of water on either side and a dry path in the middle. Ask them to draw the people walking through safely, and talk about how God made a way when there seemed to be none.
Remember and Repeat Game
Gather a few household objects like a spoon, a shoe, and a book. Show them to the children, then cover them with a towel and remove one. Have the children guess what is missing, then talk about how easy it is to forget things, and how God never forgets His people. Repeat the memory verse motions as a reward for each correct guess.
Take-Home Thank You Card
Give each child a folded sheet of paper and some stickers or crayons. Ask them to write or draw three things God has done for them this week. Encourage them to bring the card home and share it with a family member at dinner, reminding everyone that giving thanks to the LORD is always a good idea.
Teacher Notes
Psalm 106 is a long history lesson written as a prayer. It shows that God’s people repeatedly forgot His mighty acts and turned to idols, yet God kept showing mercy and remembering His covenant. For adults, the psalm invites honest confession alongside confident trust in God’s faithful love.
With children, avoid suggesting that God is angry or that He stops loving us when we sin. Keep the focus on God’s patient kindness and His commitment to His people, and be careful not to frighten young learners with the harsher judgment passages.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for remembering us and loving us even when we forget You. Help us to remember Your kindness each day and to trust You when things feel scary. We want to give thanks to You and praise Your name. Amen.
