This lesson teaches children that God hears us when we are afraid of people who want to hurt us, and that He is the one true God over all the earth. It is best for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
When people are mean or scary, we can ask God to help us, because He is in charge of everything and He always hears us.
Memory Verse
Psalm 83:18
That they may know that you alone, whose name is the LORD, are the Most High over all the earth.
(WEB)
Hold both hands up high, then bring them down slowly as you say the words together. Ask the children to make the same motion each time they say it, so the verse sticks in their hands as well as their heads.
The Story: Psalm 83 for Kids
Long ago, a writer named Asaph wrote a song to God. He was worried because some enemy nations had gathered together and made a plan. They wanted to destroy the people of Israel so that nobody would remember their name anymore.
The enemies talked and made a secret plan. They said, “Come, let us destroy them as a nation!” They joined forces, nation after nation, like a big group of bullies standing together against one small family. The list included people like the Edomites, the Moabites, the Ammonites, and the Philistines.
Asaph did not hide his feelings. He went to God in prayer and said, “God, please do not keep quiet. Please do not stay still. Your people are in danger.” He trusted that God could see everything that was happening and would not ignore his cry for help.
Asaph remembered how God had won battles in the past. He asked God to act again, and to make the enemies feel as small and weak as dust blowing in the wind. He prayed that these enemies would finally understand who the real King is.
The song ends with a big hope. Asaph prayed that the enemies would come to know that the LORD alone is the Most High over all the earth. God is the one who is strong enough to protect His people, and that is what gave Asaph courage.
Read It Together
Psalm 83:1
God, don’t keep silent. Don’t keep silent, and don’t be still, God.
(WEB)
Point out that Asaph starts his prayer by asking God not to stay silent. Explain that talking to God honestly, even when we feel scared, is something God invites us to do.
Psalm 83:16
Fill their faces with confusion, that they may seek your name, the LORD.
(WEB)
Show the children that Asaph asks God to help the enemies seek His name. Explain that God wants all people to know Him, and that He can change even hard hearts.
Psalm 83:13-15
13 My God, make them like tumbleweed; like chaff before the wind. 14 As the fire that burns the forest, as the flame that sets the mountains on fire, 15 so pursue them with your tempest, and terrify them with your storm.
(WEB)
Ask the children to notice how Asaph describes God’s power with pictures like wind, fire, and storms. Explain that these pictures help us see that God is far more powerful than anything that frightens us.
Talk About It
- What is something that makes you feel scared or worried, and what did you do about it?
- Why do you think Asaph told God exactly how he felt instead of hiding his feelings?
- How can you tell that God is the strongest one in the whole world?
- What are some ways you can pray when you feel afraid at school or at home?
- Who are some people you can ask to pray with you when someone is treating you unfairly?
Activity Ideas
Wind and Storm Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a picture of a storm or windy day if you have one. Ask each child to draw a big storm cloud with wind blowing across the page, then write or draw one thing that makes them feel safe because God is in control. Talk about how God is bigger than any storm, just as Asaph trusted Him.
Tumbleweed Freeze Game
You need an open space and a small bag of dry leaves or tissue paper. Have the children stand and pretend to be the enemies blowing in the wind, then freeze when you call “God is the Most High!” Each round, scatter a few leaves to show how God can blow away what seems strong. Keep the game gentle and fun.
Take-Home Prayer Card
You will need index cards, a pencil, and a marker. Have each child write a short prayer on one side, such as “God, help me when I am scared,” and draw a small picture of God’s strength on the other side. Encourage them to keep the card by their bed and read it each night before sleep.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 83 is an honest prayer written by someone facing real threats from enemies. It shows that God’s people can bring their fear and anger to Him, and that the LORD is the true ruler over all nations. The psalm also expresses a hope that even enemies might come to know God’s name.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the violence in the psalm. Keep the focus on God’s power and care, and do not suggest that children should wish harm on anyone who treats them badly. Instead, guide them toward praying honestly and trusting God to act in His way and time.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You hear us when we are scared. Help us to talk to You honestly and to trust that You are stronger than anything. Thank You that You are the Most High over all the earth. Amen.
