This lesson teaches children that God remembers what He has done for His people, and that they should remember too. It suits ages 5 to 11 and takes 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God keeps His promises and does great things for His people. We should remember what He has done, tell our children about it, and trust Him every day.
Memory Verse
Psalm 78:4
We will not hide them from their children, telling to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, his strength, and his wondrous deeds that he has done.
(WEB)
Cup both hands in front of you, like you are holding a gift. Then open your hands wide and lift them up as you say the words “his wondrous deeds.” Do this motion each time you say the verse together.
The Story: Psalm 78 for Kids
Long ago, a man named Asaph wrote a song to help God’s people remember. He said, “Listen, my people, to what I am going to teach you.” He wanted parents to tell their children about all the wonderful things God had done. Asaph knew that if people forgot God’s deeds, they would forget to trust Him.
God had done amazing things for the Israelites when they were in Egypt. He sent Moses to lead them out. God split the sea so they could walk across on dry ground. In the day He led them with a cloud, and at night He lit their way with a pillar of fire. When they were thirsty in the desert, He made water come out of a rock.
But the people often forgot. They complained and said, “Can God really give us food here in the wilderness?” God was patient with them. He sent bread from the sky every morning, called manna, and quail to eat in the evening. Even so, the people kept turning away from Him.
God is kind even when we fail. Many times His people went wrong, yet God forgave them and did not destroy them all. He remembered that they were only human, like a breath of wind that quickly passes away. He also gave them a land to live in, where they could make homes and be safe.
Asaph wanted the next generation to do better than their parents. He wanted children to set their hope in God and to keep His commands. The lesson is simple: God is faithful, so His children should be faithful too.
Read It Together
Psalm 78:7
That they might set their hope in God, and not forget God’s deeds, but keep his commandments…
(WEB)
Point out the words “set their hope in God.” Ask the children what it means to hope in someone. Explain that hope means trusting that someone will keep their word.
Psalm 78:11-12
11 They forgot his doings, his wondrous deeds that he had shown them. 12 He did marvelous things in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.
(WEB)
Show how the people forgot what God had done for them. Ask the children to name a time God helped them or their family, so they practice remembering.
Psalm 78:38
But he, being merciful, forgave iniquity, and didn’t destroy them. Yes, many times he turned his anger away, and didn’t stir up all his wrath.
(WEB)
Point out that God forgave His people even when they did wrong. Explain that God is merciful, which means He is kind and gentle, even when we make mistakes.
Talk About It
- What is one thing God did for the Israelites that you think was amazing?
- Why do you think the people forgot God so quickly?
- How can you help your family remember the good things God has done?
- What would you do if you were thirsty in a desert and God gave you water from a rock?
- Why is it good that God forgives us when we make mistakes?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Memory Rock
You will need small smooth stones, washable markers, and a small bowl. Have each child draw a simple picture on a stone of something God has done, such as the sea, a cloud, or bread. Explain that the stones are reminders, just like the people in the story remembered God’s deeds. Let them keep the stones on a shelf at home.
Wilderness Walk Game
You will need a blindfold for each child and a clear room with a few chairs or pillows scattered around. One child is the leader and guides a blindfolded partner gently around the obstacles, using only spoken directions. Explain that God guided His people through the wilderness. Switch roles so everyone takes a turn leading and following.
Remember-God Jar at Home
You will need a clean jar, paper slips, and a pen. Each day for a week, ask family members to write one thing God did for them and drop it in the jar. At the end of the week, open the jar together and read the notes aloud. This turns remembering into a family habit, just as Asaph hoped.
Teacher Notes
Psalm 78 is a long teaching poem about how God’s people repeatedly forgot His faithfulness, yet He stayed faithful to them. For adults, the psalm shows that remembering God’s past work builds trust for the future. It also shows that God’s mercy is patient and deep, even toward a stubborn people.
Avoid overstating the harsher judgments in this psalm to children. The passage describes God’s anger against sin in strong terms, and young listeners can become frightened. Focus instead on God’s faithfulness, His patience, and His forgiveness, while keeping the account honest.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for remembering us and for doing good things for Your people. Help us remember what You have done and tell our children about You. Help us trust You and keep Your ways, even when we forget. Thank You for forgiving us. Amen.
