This lesson teaches children that they can tell God exactly how they feel, even when they feel forgotten, and still trust that He hears them. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God hears us when we are sad or waiting, and we can always trust Him to answer. We can tell Him how we really feel, and we can still say thank you because He is good.
Memory Verse
Psalm 13:5
But I trust in your loving kindness. My heart rejoices in your salvation.
(WEB)
Teach the children to place one hand on their heart when they say “I trust,” then open both hands wide, like a gift being given. Say the verse together three times, getting a little softer each time, until the room is quiet.
The Story: Psalm 13 for Kids
King David wrote this song when he was in a hard place. He felt like God was far away and had forgotten him. Every day he felt sad, and his enemies seemed to be winning. He wondered how long he would have to wait.
David did not hide his feelings. He brought them straight to God. He asked, “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?” He told God that he was tired and worried. He even asked God to give light to his eyes, so he would not fall asleep feeling defeated.
Then David remembered who God is. He remembered that God loves him and always keeps His promises. His heart began to change. The sad feeling did not disappear all at once, but David chose to trust God anyway.
At the end of the song, David started to sing. He said, “I will sing to the Lord, because He has been good to me.” Even while he was still waiting, David thanked God for His goodness. His song went from sadness to praise.
This story shows us that God is never too busy to listen. Whatever we feel, we can talk to Him about it. When we wait for God, we can keep trusting Him, because He is faithful.
Read It Together
Psalm 13:1
How long, the LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?
(WEB)
Point out that David asks God questions honestly. Explain that it is okay to ask God hard questions, because He wants us to talk to Him about everything. Ask children what questions they have wanted to ask God.
Psalm 13:3
Behold, and answer me, the LORD, my God. Give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death…
(WEB)
Show the children that David asks God to answer him and to give light to his eyes. Explain that God listens when we call out to Him, even in the dark moments. Remind them that God always hears them.
Psalm 13:6
I will sing to the LORD, because he has been good to me.
(WEB)
Point out that David ends his song with praise and thanks. Explain that we can thank God for who He is and what He has done, even before our problems are solved. Invite the children to name one good thing God has done for them.
Talk About It
- What is one feeling you have had when you were waiting for something to happen?
- What did David tell God when he felt sad and forgotten?
- How can you tell God about your feelings the way David did?
- What helped David remember that God was good, even while he was still waiting?
- What is one good thing God has done for you that you can thank Him for today?
Activity Ideas
Heart and Light Drawing
Give each child a sheet of paper, crayons, and a pencil. Ask them to draw a big heart on one side and a sunshine with rays on the other side. Have them write or draw one worry in the heart and one thing God has done in the sunshine. Talk about how God’s light shines into our hearts.
Waiting and Singing Game
Have the children stand in a circle. Pick one child to be the “waiting” child, who stands in the middle with eyes closed and arms crossed. The others softly sing a simple line like “God is good to me.” When the leader says “Sing,” the waiting child opens their arms and joins in the song. Play a few rounds so every child gets a turn.
Take-Home Prayer Jar
Gather a clean jar, some slips of paper, and a pen. Ask each child to write or draw one feeling or question they want to tell God and put it in the jar. Encourage families to pray over the jar during the week, and to add a slip of paper for a thank you whenever God answers. This helps children see that God hears every prayer.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 13 shows that honest lament is part of faithful prayer. David moves from complaint to trust and then to praise, and that movement is a pattern believers can follow when life feels unfair or slow. Trust here is a choice rooted in God’s character, not a feeling that appears on command.
Avoid telling children that prayers about sadness will always be answered in the way they hope or that feeling better will happen right away. Instead, focus on the fact that God hears them and is good. Let them know that waiting can be hard, and that God is still with them in it.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for listening to us when we feel sad or when we have to wait. Help us tell You how we really feel, just like David did. Remind us that You are good and that we can trust You every day. We love You and thank You. Amen.
