This lesson teaches children that God forgives our wrongs, restores us, and brings peace, and that he keeps his promises even when we fail. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God forgives us, makes us new, and gives us real peace. He always keeps his promises, even when we forget to keep ours.
Memory Verse
Psalm 85:10
Mercy and truth meet together. Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
(WEB)
Hold both hands out in front of you, palms up, and then bring them together slowly as you say the words. Mercy and truth come together, and so do peace and goodness. Ask the children to show you the motion with their own hands.
The Story: Psalm 85 for Kids
Long ago, the people of Israel had done many wrong things. They had turned away from God and chosen foolish ways. Their land had suffered, and they felt far from him. They knew they needed help.
So the people prayed. They asked God to turn toward them and stop being angry. They said, “Will you stay angry with us forever?” They wanted to be happy in God again, and they begged him to show them his kindness and save them.
God answered them with love. He had forgiven their wrongs and covered their sin. He had turned away from his anger. The people listened carefully, because God spoke peace to his people and wanted them to follow him faithfully.
The psalm paints a happy picture of the land. Good things grow there, and the earth gives its harvest. God’s goodness spreads everywhere, and his way makes a path for his people to walk in safety and joy.
Read It Together
Psalm 85:1-2
1 The LORD, you have been favorable to your land. You have restored the fortunes of Jacob. 2 You have forgiven the iniquity of your people. You have covered all their sin. Selah.
(WEB)
Point out that God had been kind to his land and forgave the people’s sin. Ask the children what it feels like to be forgiven by someone they love.
Psalm 85:7
Show us your loving kindness, the LORD. Grant us your salvation.
(WEB)
Show that the people asked God for his loving kindness and his salvation. Explain that asking God for help is a good and right thing to do.
Psalm 85:12
Yes, the LORD will give that which is good. Our land will yield its increase.
(WEB)
Point out that God gives good things and the land yields its increase. Help the children name good gifts they have received from God this week.
Talk About It
- What did the people do that made them need God’s forgiveness?
- How do you think the people felt when they prayed and asked God to help them?
- What is one way God showed his kindness in the story?
- Why do you think God wants us to listen to him and not go back to foolish ways?
- What is one thing you can thank God for today?
Activity Ideas
Paper Plate Rainbow Drawing
You will need a paper plate, crayons or markers, and some glue. Have each child draw a simple rainbow on the plate, one color at a time, and explain that rainbows remind us of God’s promises. Let them write one good gift from God in the middle of the plate. Hang the finished plates where the family or class can see them.
Peace and Mercy Hand Game
Gather the children in a circle and teach them the hand motion from the memory verse. Call out words such as “forgiven,” “peace,” “kindness,” and “harvest,” and have the children act out each word. Play a quick round where children take turns choosing a word for the group to act out.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need index cards, a pen, and a small envelope for each child. Write the words “God keeps his promises” on each card and have the children decorate it with stickers or drawings. Ask them to place it somewhere they will see it each morning, such as their bedroom mirror or lunchbox. Encourage them to share one thing they learned with their family at dinner.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 85 reflects a people who have sinned, return to God in prayer, and find that he responds with forgiveness and restoration. The psalm shows that God’s mercy and truth work together and that his peace comes as a gift to those who fear him. It also reminds us that God’s faithfulness holds even when our own faithfulness wavers.
Avoid suggesting that God’s blessings always arrive as easy, visible rewards in this life. The psalm speaks of a land that yields its harvest, but children may connect this to a guarantee that every prayer will be answered quickly or in the way they expect. Instead, focus on God’s character as loving, merciful, and faithful.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you for forgiving us when we do wrong. Help us to ask you for kindness and peace, and help us to listen to what you say. Thank you for keeping your promises. We love you. Amen.
