This lesson teaches children that God remembers what He has done for His people, and that we should remember it too, telling our children about His good works. It is best for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God keeps His promises and does great things for His people, so we should remember His goodness, tell our children about it, and trust Him instead of forgetting Him.
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 water, then open them wide as you say “We will tell.” Repeat it together, opening your hands a little more each time you say the next word, so children remember that God’s deeds are something we pass along.
The Story: Psalm 78 for Kids
Long ago, a wise man named Asaph wrote a song to help God’s people remember who God is. He said the story of God’s wonderful deeds was too important to keep to themselves. Parents had told their children, and those children would tell their own children, all the way down the family line.
God’s people, the Israelites, had seen amazing things. God led them out of Egypt. He split the Red Sea so they could walk across on dry ground. In the day He guided them with a cloud, and at night 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. When they grew hungry, they complained and asked, “Can God give us food out here?” God sent them bread from heaven every morning, and quail to eat in the evening. Still, they kept grumbling and doubting, and they did not trust Him the way they should have.
God was patient with them. Again and again He forgave them and turned away His anger. He remembered that they were only people, here today and gone tomorrow. He kept loving them even when they turned away.
Asaph wanted the next generation to be different. He wanted them to remember God’s deeds, keep His commands, and set their hope on Him. That is the same invitation for us today.
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” and “not forget God’s deeds.” Ask the children what it looks like to put hope in someone, and how remembering helps us trust.
Psalm 78:14-16
14 In the daytime he also led them with a cloud, and all night with a light of fire. 15 He split rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink abundantly as out of the depths. 16 He brought streams also out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers.
(WEB)
Show how God led His people with a cloud and a fire, and gave them water from a rock. Let the children name ways God takes care of them today, such as through family, food, or friends.
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 is merciful and forgives. Explain that even when people did wrong, God did not stop loving them, and that He is still patient and kind toward us when we make mistakes.
Talk About It
- What is one good thing God has done for you that you want to remember?
- Why do you think the people in the story forgot what God had done for them?
- How can we help our friends and family remember God’s kindness?
- What did God do when His people complained and doubted Him?
- What are some ways we can keep God’s commands and trust Him when we feel scared or hungry?
Activity Ideas
Remember-Me Rock Craft
You will need smooth stones, washable markers or paint, and a small bowl of water. Have each child draw or write one thing God has done for them on a stone, such as a family, a meal, or a sunny day. Talk about how the Israelites remembered God’s deeds, and let the children place their stones on a windowsill as a daily reminder.
Cloud and Fire Follow-the-Leader
Clear some space in a room or yard and gather the children in a line. Choose one child to be the leader who moves slowly, with the others following carefully behind. Use a scarf or flashlight as the cloud or fire, and let the leader change direction. Explain that God guided His people step by step, and that we can follow Him too.
Take-Home Story Chain
Give each child a strip of paper and some tape or a stapler. Ask them to write or draw one story of a time God helped their family, then link the strips into a chain. Encourage them to share the chain with a parent, grandparent, or friend that week, so the story passes down just as Asaph hoped it would.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 78 is a teaching poem about the importance of passing faith from one generation to the next. It recalls how God acted for Israel and how the people repeatedly forgot Him, yet found Him merciful. The psalm invites every generation to remember God’s faithfulness, trust Him, and obey Him.
Avoid overstating to children that bad behavior always brings immediate punishment. The psalm shows God’s anger and His patience and mercy together, so keep the emphasis on God’s love and faithfulness rather than on fear.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for all the good things You have done for us and for our families. Help us remember Your kindness, trust You when we feel unsure, and tell our children about You. Thank You for being patient and loving with us every day. Amen.
