This lesson teaches children that God shows His greatness through the sky and His Word, and that His Word is good for us. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God made the sky to tell us He is great, and He gave us His Word to help us know Him and live well.
Memory Verse
Psalm 19:1
The heavens declare the glory of God. The expanse shows his handiwork.
(WEB)
Stand with arms stretched wide like the sky. Slowly sweep them up over your head as you say the words together, then point up to the heavens.
The Story: Psalm 19 for Kids
King David was a shepherd boy who grew up watching the sky. Every night he looked up at the stars, and every day he saw the bright sun rise and cross the sky. David knew that God had made all of it. The sky seemed to be talking without any words at all.
Each morning the sun came out like a happy bridegroom leaving his room for a wedding. Then it ran across the sky like a strong runner who loves the race. Nothing on earth could hide from its warmth. David thought this was a wonderful way to see how great God is.
But David also thought about God’s Word. He said that God’s law makes a tired heart feel new again. He said that God’s rules make even simple people wise. David said, “God’s Word is more to be wanted than gold, and sweeter than honey.” He knew it was a gift worth loving.
David knew he was not perfect. He sometimes did wrong things without even noticing. So he asked God to forgive his hidden mistakes. He also asked God to keep him from doing things he knew were wrong, so that he could live honestly and do right.
At the end of the psalm, David prayed that his words and thoughts would please God. He called God his rock and his Redeemer, the One who saves. David ended with trust in the God who made the sky and gave His Word.
Read It Together
Psalm 19:1-2
1 The heavens declare the glory of God. The expanse shows his handiwork. 2 Day after day they pour out speech, and night after night they display knowledge.
(WEB)
Point out that the sky keeps telling people about God day after day. Ask children to notice what they can see outside, like the sun or stars, and say that these things show God’s glory without any words.
Psalm 19:7-8
7 The LORD’s law is perfect, restoring the soul. The LORD’s testimony is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The LORD’s precepts are right, rejoicing the heart. The LORD’s commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes.
(WEB)
Point out the words “restoring” and “rejoicing.” Explain that God’s Word helps our hearts feel refreshed and happy, and it helps us understand what is true and good.
Psalm 19:10
More to be desired are they than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the extract of the honeycomb.
(WEB)
Point out the comparison to gold and honey. Explain that David valued God’s Word more than the best treasures and the sweetest foods, because it is precious to know God.
Talk About It
- What is your favorite thing you have seen in the sky, and what does it make you think about God?
- How can reading the Bible make your heart feel happy or calm?
- Why do you think David compared God’s Word to gold and honey?
- What is one wrong thing you might do without realizing it, and how can we ask God to help us?
- How can you show God that you want your words and thoughts to please Him?
Activity Ideas
Sky Window Craft
You will need black construction paper, a paper plate, white paint or glue, and cotton balls. Cut a circle from the middle of the plate to make a frame, then have children glue or paint star dots and a yellow sun onto the black paper. Help them tape the paper behind the frame. Talk about how the sky shows God’s greatness.
Honey and Gold Game
Hide a few gold-colored coins or chocolate coins around the room, and place a small dish of honey or honey sticks nearby. Have children search for the treasure while you read Psalm 19:10 slowly. When they find something, ask what makes God’s Word even more precious than these treasures.
Word Jar at Home
You will need a clean jar, paper strips, and a pencil. Each day, have your child write or draw one thing God has taught them from the Bible or one thing they saw in creation that showed God’s greatness. Place it in the jar and read a few together at dinner. This helps the lesson stay in the heart all week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 19 shows two ways God reveals Himself: through the created world, which declares His glory, and through His written law, which is perfect, trustworthy, and life-giving. David moves from the sky to the Scriptures to his own heart, showing that God’s Word leads us to honest prayer and repentance.
Avoid overstating to children that every sunrise or star is a direct message to them, since the psalm speaks of the heavens in a poetic and general way. Keep the focus on God’s greatness and the goodness of His Word.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for the sun, the stars, and the big blue sky that show how great You are. Thank You for Your Word, which is better than gold and sweeter than honey. Help us love it and do what is right, and forgive us when we make mistakes. Amen.
