In this lesson, children learn that God sees people who trust Him and always makes peace possible for those who turn back to Him. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including a short story, a memory verse, a discussion, and a closing prayer.
Big Idea
God sees good people, He is never too far away, and He is always ready to heal a sorry heart and give peace to anyone who comes back to Him.
Memory Verse
Isaiah 57:15
For thus says the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also who is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite.
(WEB)
Have children place one hand on their heart and then lift both hands high above their heads on the word “high,” then bring them back down to their hearts on the word “humble.” This helps them remember that God is high above us and also lives with people who are sorry and humble.
The Story: Isaiah 57 for Kids
Long ago, the prophet Isaiah told the people of Israel a hard truth. Many good people in the land were dying, and very few stopped to think about it. The faithful were being taken away, but nobody seemed to notice how much they would be missed. Isaiah reminded everyone that those who walked straight before God would find rest when they went to their beds at night.
But Isaiah also looked at the people who had wandered away from God. Some of them had built altars on high hills and under green trees, and they were worshiping idols made of stone. They had poured drink offerings and offered gifts to these false gods. God said that He had watched all of it, and He was not pleased with their hearts.
Then God spoke to these people through Isaiah. He said, “I will not argue with you forever, and I will not always be angry.” God was sad about what they had done, but He still wanted them to come home. He said, “I will heal them and lead them, and I will bring comfort to those who are sad.”
God made a promise of peace. He said that His peace was for those who were far away and for those who were near. Even people who had strayed could come back and find peace with Him. God told the people that He lives in a high and holy place, but He also lives with the humble and the sorry.
Isaiah also showed a picture of the wicked as a stormy sea that can never rest. Its waves keep crashing and throwing up mud. God said there is no peace for those who keep running from Him. Children can understand that peace comes from God, not from anything we can do on our own.
Read It Together
Isaiah 57:1-2
1 The righteous perish, and no one lays it to heart. Merciful men are taken away, and no one considers that the righteous is taken away from the evil. 2 He enters into peace. They rest in their beds, each one who walks in his uprightness.
(WEB)
Point out that God notices when good people are taken away, even when others do not notice. Tell children that God cares about His faithful people and gives them rest.
Isaiah 57:18-19
18 I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts to him and to his mourners. 19 I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace, to him who is far off and to him who is near,” says the LORD; “and I will heal them.”
(WEB)
Show children how God says He saw what the people did, and He still promised to heal and lead them. Help children see that God wants to bring comfort and peace to anyone who turns back.
Isaiah 57:21
“There is no peace”, says my God, “for the wicked.”
(WEB)
Explain that peace with God comes through trusting Him and turning to Him. Point out that this verse reminds us that peace is a gift from God, not something we earn on our own.
Talk About It
- What does it feel like when someone notices something good you did that nobody else saw?
- Why do you think God wants to be close to people who feel sorry and humble?
- What are some things that can take our hearts away from God, and how can we turn back to Him?
- How does it help you to know that God sees you even when you feel alone?
- What is one way you can show God that you want to come close to Him this week?
Activity Ideas
Heart Peace Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Ask each child to draw a big heart on the paper and color it in with calm colors like blue and green. Inside the heart, have them draw something that helps them feel close to God, such as a tree, a mountain, or a friend praying. Let children talk about their drawings and share one way God brings peace to them.
Stormy Sea and Still Water
You will need a large bowl of water, a spoon, and a small cup of sand or dirt. Invite children to stir the water hard with the spoon and then drop a little sand in to show the “troubled sea.” Then let the water sit still for a minute while the sand settles. Explain that the wicked are like the stirred-up sea, but God gives calm and peace to those who trust Him.
Peace Reminder Card
You will need index cards, a pencil, and a marker. Have each child write the words “God sees me and gives me peace” on one side of the card and draw a small heart on the other side. Encourage them to take the card home and place it on a bedside table or in a school bag. Suggest that they read it together with a parent each evening before bed.
Teacher Notes
This chapter shows that God is holy and high above everything, yet He chooses to dwell with people who are humble and sorry for their sins. It also shows that God is patient and merciful, not wanting to stay angry forever, and that He offers peace to those who turn back to Him. Adults can see that peace with God is a gift that comes from His character, not from human effort.
Be careful not to suggest to children that God will always protect people from harm or that good behavior guarantees a peaceful life. The chapter speaks of God’s faithfulness and mercy, and it describes the peace He offers, but it does not promise any particular outcome in this life. Focus on God’s love and nearness rather than on rewards or punishments.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we thank You that You see us and care about us every day. Help us to be humble and sorry when we do wrong, and help us to turn back to You. Give us Your peace in our hearts, and help us to trust that You are always close to us. Amen.
