This lesson teaches children one truth they can repeat: God knows everything about us, and he is with us everywhere we go. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes in a class or at home.
Big Idea
God knows me completely, and he is always close to me. Nothing about me is hidden from him, and nowhere I go is too far for him to be there.
Memory Verse
Psalm 139:14
I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. My soul knows that very well.
(WEB)
Teach the children to put both hands on their chest for “fearfully,” then spread their arms wide for “wonderfully.” Say the verse together slowly, moving your arms with each phrase so the words stick.
The Story: Psalm 139 for Kids
King David wrote a song to God a long time ago, and it is one of the most beautiful songs in the Bible. David was a shepherd boy before he became king, and he spent many quiet nights under the sky. On those nights he thought hard about God, and he noticed how big and wonderful God is.
David knew that God could see him at all times. When David sat down, God saw him. When he got up, God saw him too. Even when David was thinking a secret thought that nobody else could hear, God already knew it. David said God knows everything about him, and that made him feel both amazed and safe.
David also thought about the day he was born. He said that God made his body with great care, even before he was born, when no one could see him. David told God, “Thank you, because I am made in a wonderful way.” He knew that God had planned his days long before he took his first breath.
David even said that there was no place he could hide from God. He imagined flying up to the sky or going down to the deepest places, and he said God would be there. He said that even in the darkest night, God could see him, because for God the night is as bright as day. David trusted that God would never let go of him.
At the end of his song, David asked God to look into his heart. He prayed, “Search me, God, and know my heart.” He asked God to show him if he had done anything wrong, and to lead him in the right way. David wanted to live close to God every day.
Read It Together
Psalm 139:1-4
1 The LORD, you have searched me, and you know me. 2 You know my sitting down and my rising up. You perceive my thoughts from afar. 3 You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. 4 For there is not a word on my tongue, but, behold, the LORD, you know it altogether.
(WEB)
Point out the words “you have searched me” and “you know me.” Ask the children to notice that God knows what we are doing, what we are thinking, and even what we are going to say before we say it.
Psalm 139:7-10
7 Where could I go from your Spirit? Or where could I flee from your presence? 8 If I ascend up into heaven, you are there. If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, you are there! 9 If I take the wings of the dawn, and settle in the uttermost parts of the sea; 10 Even there your hand will lead me, and your right hand will hold me.
(WEB)
Show the children how David names places far away, like the sky and the sea, and says God is there too. Explain that there is no place where God is absent, so we are never alone.
Psalm 139:23-24
23 Search me, God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts. 24 See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.
(WEB)
Read these verses slowly and point out that David asks God to search his heart. Explain that this is a prayer of trust, where we ask God to help us grow and do what is right.
Talk About It
- What is one thing God knows about you that nobody else knows?
- How do you feel when you remember that God is with you even in the dark?
- What do you think David meant when he said he was made in a wonderful way?
- Where is a place you might go this week where you can remember that God is there?
- What is one way you can ask God to help you do what is right?
Activity Ideas
Hand Drawing of God Knowing Me
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child trace their hand on the paper and cut it out. On each finger, have them write or draw something God knows about them, such as their favorite food, their family, or a hobby. Talk together about how God knows every part of us, and display the hands on the wall.
Follow the Leader Through Heaven and Sea
You will need an open space and a few chairs or pillows. Call out places like “sky,” “sea,” “dark room,” and “bed,” and have the children move to act out each place. Each time, stop and say together, “God is there with me.” Finish by having everyone lie down quietly and whisper, “You know me.”
Night Light Prayer Card
You will need an index card, a pencil, and a small flashlight or nightlight. Help the child write the words “God is with me in the dark” on the card and decorate it. Encourage them to take the card home and place it near their bed, and to read it aloud when they turn on their light at night.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 139 shows that God’s knowledge of us is complete, personal, and loving. It is not a threat but a comfort, because the God who knows every detail of our lives is also the God who holds us. The psalm also invites honest prayer, asking God to search our hearts and lead us in his ways.
With children, avoid overstating the idea of God’s searching as something to fear. Keep the focus on God’s closeness and care, and be gentle with the part where David speaks about enemies, since young children may not need that section explained in detail.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you know us completely and never leave our side. Help us remember that you are with us at school, at home, and even in the dark. Thank you for making each of us in a wonderful way. Help us to trust you every day. Amen.
