This lesson teaches children that God is strong, fair, and close to the people who trust him, and that he takes care of the lonely and the weak. It suits ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is strong and he takes care of his people. He helps the lonely, rescues the captive, and carries our burdens every day.
Memory Verse
Psalm 68:19
Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burdens, even the God who is our salvation. Selah.
(WEB)
Put your hands on your shoulders and then lift them up high, as if you are holding something heavy. Lower them slowly as you say the word “burdens,” and then raise them again with a big smile on “salvation.”
The Story: Psalm 68 for Kids
Long ago, King David wrote a song about God. He wanted everyone to know that God is powerful and that God wins every battle. When God marched out in front of his people, the ground shook and the sky poured down rain. Mountains stood tall, but God chose to live on Mount Zion, and God chose to stay there forever.
The people of Israel were walking through a dry and dangerous wilderness. They did not have homes, and many of them felt very alone. But God did not forget them. He gave them food and water, and he led them safely through the desert. David sang, “God sets the lonely in families,” and that is exactly what God did for his people.
Some people in the song were prisoners. They had been locked away and could not go home. God is the one who opens the doors for them. David’s song shows people singing and dancing as they came to the place where God lives. Musicians led the way, and women played tambourines, while everyone shouted, “Bless God!”
Kings from faraway lands heard about the great God of Israel. They brought gifts to his temple in Jerusalem. David wanted every nation to know that God is worthy of praise. He said, “Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth!” Everyone who heard the song was invited to join in the celebration.
At the end of the psalm, David reminds everyone that God is awesome. He gives strength and power to his people. The song finishes with a big shout of joy. Let children clap or cheer when you say the final words, “Praise be to God!”
Read It Together
Psalm 68:5-6
5 A father of the fatherless, and a defender of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. 6 God sets the lonely in families. He brings out the prisoners with singing, but the rebellious dwell in a sun-scorched land.
(WEB)
Point out that God is called a father to the fatherless and a helper to the widows. Ask the children how God helps people who feel alone, and remind them that God puts lonely people into families.
Psalm 68:9-10
9 You, God, sent a plentiful rain. You confirmed your inheritance, when it was weary. 10 Your congregation lived therein. You, God, prepared your goodness for the poor.
(WEB)
Show the children that God sent rain and provided goodness for the poor. Ask what kinds of good things God gives us each day, like food, water, and friends who care for us.
Psalm 68:35
You are awesome, God, in your sanctuaries. The God of Israel gives strength and power to his people. Praise be to God!
(WEB)
Help the children see that God is strong and that his power is greater than anything else. Ask them to say together, “God is awesome and strong!” and point out that this is a reason to praise him.
Talk About It
- What does it feel like to be lonely, and how do you think God helps people who feel that way?
- Why do you think God wants people to sing and celebrate when they remember what he has done?
- What is one way God has taken care of you this week?
- How can you help someone who might be lonely or left out at school or at church?
- Why do you think David wanted every nation on earth to praise God?
Activity Ideas
Paper Plate Mountain Picture
You will need a paper plate, crayons or markers, cotton balls, and glue. Ask the children to draw a tall mountain in the center of the plate and color a blue sky above it. Then have them glue cotton balls across the top to make clouds, reminding them that God rides on the clouds and is higher than any mountain.
Carry the Burden Relay
You will need a few small, light objects like pillows or stuffed animals, and two bowls or baskets. Divide the children into two teams and have them race to carry the objects from one spot to another. As they run, say that God carries our burdens every day, and cheer when they finish.
Family Burden Jar
You will need an empty jar, slips of paper, and a pencil. Have each child write one worry or hard thing on a slip of paper and fold it up. Place the slips in the jar, then pray together and tell the children that God knows about each worry and helps carry them.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 68 celebrates God as the victorious King who leads his people, protects the vulnerable, and invites every nation to worship him. The psalm looks back on Israel’s journey through the wilderness and forward to God’s rule over the world, which Christians connect to the reign of Jesus. Adults can appreciate the psalm’s mix of joy, memory, and hope in God’s power.
Avoid overstating to children that God will always remove every hard thing from their lives right away. The psalm is about God’s faithfulness and strength, not a promise that trouble will disappear on demand. Keep the focus on God’s character and his care for his people.
A Prayer to Close
Father, thank you that you are strong and that you carry our burdens every day. Help us remember that you are close to the lonely and the weak. Teach us to sing and praise you with joy. Amen.
