This lesson teaches children that God is faithful even when we feel scared or sad, and that remembering what God has done helps us keep trusting Him. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
When we feel scared or sad, we can remember what God has done before, and that helps us trust Him again. God never forgets His people.
Memory Verse
Psalm 77:11
I will remember Yah’s deeds; for I will remember your wonders of old.
(WEB)
Cup your hands together like you are holding something precious. Then lift them up slowly, as if you are remembering something good. Say the words together with the motion each time you repeat them.
The Story: Psalm 77 for Kids
Once there was a man named Asaph who was very worried. He had a big problem, and he could not stop thinking about it. At night he could not sleep. His eyes stayed wide open, and his heart felt heavy and tired.
Asaph cried out to God for help. He asked God to listen to him. But he still felt sad, and he wondered if God had forgotten His people. He asked, “Will the Lord stop loving us? Has God forgotten to be kind?”
Then Asaph remembered something important. He thought about the old days, when God had done amazing things for His people. He remembered how God had led them out of Egypt and taught them to trust Him. He said to himself, “I will remember what God has done.”
Asaph remembered how the waters of the sea saw God and moved out of the way. The sky rumbled with thunder, and the lightning flashed. God led His people through the sea like a shepherd leads a flock of sheep. God used Moses and Aaron to guide them safely.
When Asaph remembered all of this, his heart began to feel calmer. He could see that God had always been faithful. The same God who helped His people long ago was still with him now.
Read It Together
Psalm 77:13
Your way, God, is in the sanctuary. What god is great like God?
(WEB)
Point out that the psalm calls God great and holy. Ask children to name one thing about God that makes them feel safe.
Psalm 77:14
You are the God who does wonders. You have made your strength known among the peoples.
(WEB)
Show children that God is the one who does wonders and makes His power known. Ask them to think of a time they saw something amazing that reminded them God is real.
Psalm 77:20
You led your people like a flock, by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
(WEB)
Explain that God led His people like a shepherd leads sheep. Remind children that God still guides and cares for them today, even when they cannot see the path ahead.
Talk About It
- What is something that makes you feel worried or sad sometimes?
- What did Asaph do when he felt scared, and what could you do too?
- Can you remember a time when God helped you or your family?
- What did God do for His people long ago in the story?
- How can remembering God’s kindness help you when you feel afraid?
Activity Ideas
Remembering Stones Craft
You will need small stones or rocks, markers, and a small bowl. Ask each child to draw or write one thing God has done for them on a stone. Let them place the stones in the bowl and talk about each one. Explain that these stones are like a reminder, just as Asaph remembered God’s deeds.
Sea Parting Game
You will need a blanket or long rope and a open space. Lay the blanket or rope on the floor to make a path. Ask two children to stand at each end and slowly lift the sides of the blanket, making a wall of water on each side. Other children walk through the path together, singing or saying Psalm 77:11 out loud. This helps children picture God’s power.
Thank You Jar
You will need a jar, paper strips, and a pencil. Ask each child to write or draw one thing they are thankful for and place it in the jar. Suggest that the family reads the notes together during the week. Encourage children to remember God’s faithfulness whenever they see the jar.
Teacher Notes
Psalm 77 is honest about pain and doubt. The writer does not hide his fear, and he asks hard questions about whether God still cares. Adults can learn that it is faithful to bring our worries to God, and that remembering God’s past faithfulness can steady our hearts in the present.
Avoid promising children that every hard feeling will disappear quickly or that God will always answer their wishes in the exact way they hope. Instead, focus on the truth that God is faithful and present even when we do not understand what He is doing.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for being faithful to us every day. When we feel worried or sad, help us remember all the good things You have done. Thank You for leading us like a shepherd and never forgetting us. Help us trust You more each day. Amen.
