This lesson teaches children that God’s love is bigger than the sky and that he keeps us safe under his care. It suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God’s love is huge, faithful and safe, like the sky above us and the wings of a mother bird.
Memory Verse
Psalm 36:5
Your loving kindness, the LORD, is in the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
(WEB)
Have children stretch both arms wide like the sky as they say the verse together. Then bring their hands together in front of their hearts to show God’s love staying close to them.
The Story: Psalm 36 for Kids
Psalm 36 was written by King David, a shepherd boy who became a king. David noticed that some people in his land did not care about God. They told lies, made bad plans and did not want to do what was right. David did not like how they lived, and he said so in a song.
David looked up at the sky and saw how big it was. Then he thought about God. He said, “Your love reaches all the way to the heavens!” God’s love is not small. It is bigger than anything David could see.
David also thought about the tall mountains and the deep ocean. God’s goodness is strong like the mountains, and his wisdom is deep like the sea. God takes care of people and animals alike, so no one is ever forgotten.
David told God that people run to him for shelter, just like a little chick runs under its mother’s wings when it is scared. David said, “How precious is your love, God!” He knew that God’s love keeps us safe.
At the end of the song, David asked God to keep loving the people who trust him. He also asked God not to let proud and wicked people push him around. David trusted that God would make the wrong-doers fall, and they would not be able to get up again.
Read It Together
Psalm 36:7
How precious is your loving kindness, God! The children of men take refuge under the shadow of your wings.
(WEB)
Point out the picture of wings. Ask the children where they feel safe, and remind them that God’s wings are a picture of his safe care for every person.
Psalm 36:9
For with you is the spring of life. In your light shall we see light.
(WEB)
Show the children a flashlight or lamp. Explain that God is the source of life and light, and that we see clearly because of him.
Psalm 36:6
Your righteousness is like the mountains of God. Your judgments are like a great deep. The LORD, you preserve man and animal.
(WEB)
Ask the children to point to a mountain or a picture of the ocean. Explain that God’s fairness and care are as steady and deep as those things, and that he looks after both people and animals.
Talk About It
- What is something that feels very big to you, and how does God’s love compare to it?
- Where do you feel safe when you are scared, and how is God like that place?
- What does it mean to take refuge under God’s wings?
- Why do you think David talked to God about the people who did wrong things?
- How can you show God’s love to someone at home or school this week?
Activity Ideas
Drawing Wings of Safety
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child trace both hands on the paper and cut them out. Ask them to draw a little bird or a family of animals on the palms, then tape the hands together to make a “wing” shelter. Talk about how God covers us the way wings cover the chicks.
Sky Stretch Game
Gather the children in an open space. Call out “Mountain!” and have them stand tall with arms raised high. Call out “Ocean!” and have them wave their arms in slow waves. Call out “Wings!” and have them cup their hands like a bird sheltering a nest. Repeat quickly to remind them of God’s love in many ways.
Shelter Card for Home
You will need an index card, a pencil and a pen. Write “God’s love reaches to the skies” on the front and ask each child to decorate it with stars and clouds. Let them take it home and place it somewhere they will see it each morning, such as a bedroom mirror or the kitchen table, as a reminder that God’s love is always over them.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this psalm holds two truths side by side. The wicked are real and their sin is serious, yet God’s steadfast love, faithfulness and righteousness are even larger. Psalm 36 invites us to trust God’s protection while staying honest about evil.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the idea that God will always rescue us from every hard situation in this life. Keep the focus on God’s constant love and safe presence, and be ready to talk gently about why bad things still happen in the world.
A Prayer to Close
Father, thank you that your love reaches all the way to the sky. Thank you that we can hide under your wings when we feel scared. Help us remember that you are always with us, and help us show your love to others. Amen.
