This lesson teaches children that God is a strong, fair King who never forgets the people who cry out to Him for help. It is written for children about ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including a short story, a verse to learn, and an activity.
Big Idea
God is our strong King. He always judges fairly, and He never forgets the people who call on Him when they are hurting or afraid.
Memory Verse
Psalm 9:9
The LORD will also be a high tower for the oppressed; a high tower in times of trouble.
(WEB)
Teach the children to make a tall tower with their hands by pressing their palms together and lifting them high above their heads. Say the verse together while they hold the tower, then lower their hands slowly on the word “trouble” to show that God is still close when things are hard.
The Story: Psalm 9 for Kids
King David wrote this song to thank God with his whole heart. He had seen God do amazing things, and he wanted everyone to hear about them. David said he would be glad and sing to God’s name, because God is the Most High and is above every king.
David had enemies who wanted to hurt him. When those enemies turned back, they stumbled and fell. David told God that he trusted Him to be fair. He said God sits on His throne and judges with what is right, not with what is unfair. God does not let cruel people win forever.
David looked at the people who were oppressed and afraid. He said that God is like a high tower, a safe place to run to when trouble comes. Then David prayed, “Lord, have mercy on me. See how my enemies hate me, and lift me up from the gates of death.” David said he would rejoice in God’s saving help.
At the end of the song, David reminded everyone that God does not forget. The people who made traps for others were caught in their own traps. David said that the needy will not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor will not die forever. He ended by asking God to rise up and show that He is in charge.
Read It Together
Psalm 9:1-2
1 I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart. I will tell of all your marvelous works. 2 I will be glad and rejoice in you. I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
(WEB)
Point out that David starts by saying thank you with his whole heart. Ask the children what they could thank God for today, and remind them that thankfulness can be a song too.
Psalm 9:10
Those who know your name will put their trust in you, for you, the LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.
(WEB)
Show the children the word “forsaken” and explain that it means left alone. Tell them that God has never left anyone who looks to Him for help, even when they feel forgotten.
Psalm 9:17-18
17 The wicked shall be turned back to Sheol, even all the nations that forget God. 18 For the needy shall not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the poor perish forever.
(WEB)
Help the children see that God remembers people who are poor or needy. Explain that God cares about every person, even the ones others overlook, and that He will not let their hope disappear.
Talk About It
- What is one thing David says he will do because God is good?
- How does it feel to know God is like a high tower that keeps us safe?
- Why do you think God does not forget people who are hurting?
- What can you do this week to help someone who feels forgotten?
- Where is a place you feel safe when you are scared, and how is God like that place?
Activity Ideas
Paper Tower Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and tape. Ask each child to draw a tall tower with a door at the bottom and a flag at the top. Talk together about how God is our strong, safe place. Tape the drawings to the wall as a reminder that God is a high tower for all of us.
Tower Tag Game
Choose one child to be the “trouble” and everyone else runs to a safe spot, like a chair or a corner marked as the tower. Once the children reach the tower, they stop and say, “God is our high tower.” This shows that God keeps us safe when trouble comes. Switch roles so everyone gets a turn.
Take-Home Thank You Card
You will need a sheet of construction paper, a pencil, and crayons. Help each child fold the paper in half and write or draw one thing they want to thank God for, just as David did. Encourage them to share the card with someone at home that week and explain what they are thankful for.
Teacher Notes
Psalm 9 shows adults that God is a fair and faithful King who sees injustice and answers those who cry out to Him. It also reminds us that thankfulness and trust go together, even when life is hard. The psalm does not promise that every problem will disappear right away, but it does promise that God will not forget those who seek Him.
Be careful not to make the lesson sound like a formula where good behavior guarantees God will rescue us from every danger. Children may later face hard situations that do not end quickly. Keep the focus on God’s character as a strong, fair, and faithful King who is near to those who trust Him.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for being our strong King and our safe tower. We are sorry when we forget You, but You never forget us. Help us trust You when we are scared, and help us remember to thank You every day. Amen.
