This lesson teaches children that they can tell God honestly when people hurt them, and that God hears them and keeps them safe. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
When friends hurt us, we can tell God how we feel, and he will take care of us. We do not have to carry our hurts alone.
Memory Verse
Psalm 55:22
Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be moved.
(WEB)
Have children place both hands on their shoulders, then slowly lift their hands up and away from their bodies, as if handing something heavy to God. Repeat it together three times, lifting higher each time.
The Story: Psalm 55 for Kids
King David wrote a song to God when he was in trouble. People were saying mean things about him, and some were trying to hurt him. He felt scared and worried, and his heart hurt inside him.
David wished he could fly away like a little bird. He imagined flying far into the wild desert, where no one could find him. He said to himself, “I wish I had wings like a dove, so I could fly away and rest.”
The hardest part was that one of his own close friends had turned against him. This friend used to walk with David and talk with him at God’s house, and they were close. Now that friend had become unkind and was breaking the trust they shared.
David did not keep his feelings hidden. He prayed to God and said, “I will call on God, and the Lord will save me.” He told God about his fear every morning, every evening, and at noon.
David trusted that God heard him and would help him. He wrote that God would bring justice and keep the good people safe. David said, “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you.”
Read It Together
Psalm 55:1-2
1 Listen to my prayer, God. Don’t hide yourself from my supplication. 2 Attend to me, and answer me. I am restless in my complaint, and moan…
(WEB)
Point out that David starts by asking God to listen. Show children that it is good to speak to God directly and honestly, just as David did, even when we are upset.
Psalm 55:16-17
16 As for me, I will call on God. The LORD will save me. 17 Evening, morning, and at noon, I will cry out in distress. He will hear my voice.
(WEB)
Point out how often David prayed, morning, noon, and evening. Explain that God is always ready to hear us, at any time of the day, and we can talk to him whenever we need.
Psalm 55:22-23
22 Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be moved. 23 But you, God, will bring them down into the pit of destruction. Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days, but I will trust in you.
(WEB)
Point out that God is the one who carries our burdens and keeps the righteous from falling. Remind children that God promises to deal with what is unfair, so they can trust him to take care of them.
Talk About It
- What did David feel when people were being unkind to him?
- What did David do with his fears instead of keeping them inside?
- Why do you think David wished he could fly away like a bird?
- When has someone hurt your feelings, and what could you tell God about it?
- How does it feel to know God hears you at every time of the day?
Activity Ideas
Paper Dove Drawing
You will need white paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child trace their hand on the paper, cut out the shape, and turn the fingers into the wings of a dove. Ask them to draw a face on it and write one worry they want to give to God on the back before taping it to the wall.
Carry the Burden Game
You will need a light bag or pillow and an open space. Have children pass the bag around a circle while you count slowly to ten, then ask them to hold it up high and say, “God, I give you this.” This shows children that burdens feel lighter when we give them to God.
Prayer Pebble at Home
You will need a smooth stone for each child and a marker. Ask children to draw a small heart on their stone and keep it on a windowsill or by their bed. Each time they see it, they can pray one honest sentence to God about how they feel.
Teacher Notes
Psalm 55 shows that God’s people can be honest with him about betrayal, fear, and deep hurt, and that he is faithful to listen and act with justice. Adults can see in David’s words a model for bringing even painful relationships before God in prayer, trusting him to judge rightly.
Avoid suggesting to children that God will always punish people who hurt them quickly or in the ways we would expect. Focus instead on the truth that God hears us and cares for us, and that we can trust him with our hurts.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you for listening when we are scared or hurt. Help us to tell you how we really feel, and help us to trust you to carry our burdens. Thank you that you are always near, morning, noon, and night. Amen.
