This lesson teaches children that God is wise, strong and kind, even when life is hard, and that we can trust Him to take care of us. It is written for children about 5 to 11 years old and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is good and wise, and He takes care of the people who trust Him, even when trouble comes.
Memory Verse
Job 5:9
Who does great things that can’t be fathomed, marvelous things without number…
(WEB)
Hold both hands out in front of you, palms up, as if you are holding something very big. Then lift your arms slowly up over your head to show how God does great things we cannot measure. Say the verse together while you move.
The Story: Job 5 for Kids
Job’s friend Eliphaz was sitting with Job, who had lost many things and felt very sad. Eliphaz told Job that Job should call out to God, but Eliphaz also talked about foolish people who get into trouble when they let anger and jealousy grow inside them. He said those people often end up hurt by their own choices.
Then Eliphaz looked at Job’s life and talked about trouble. He said that trouble does not just pop up out of the dirt, because people are born into a world where hard things happen. Eliphaz was trying to help Job understand why he was suffering.
Eliphaz also said something very hopeful. He told Job that God does wonderful things that no person can fully understand. God sends rain to the fields, lifts up people who are low, and helps those who are sad find safety again. Eliphaz said, in simple words, “Happy is the person whom God corrects.” He meant that God’s teaching is a gift that helps us grow.
Eliphaz told Job that God can rescue His people from many kinds of trouble, even from hard times like hunger and danger. He said that God would keep the people who trust Him safe and let them rest peacefully in their homes. Eliphaz ended by telling Job to listen carefully, because these words were for his good.
Read It Together
Job 5:8
“But as for me, I would seek God. I would commit my cause to God…
(WEB)
Point out the words “I would seek God” and “commit my cause to God.” Explain that seeking God means turning to Him, talking to Him and trusting Him with our worries, just as a child runs to a parent for help.
Job 5:11
So that he sets up on high those who are low, those who mourn are exalted to safety.
(WEB)
Show children that God lifts up those who feel low and brings comfort to people who are sad. Ask them to name a time when someone helped them feel better, and connect that to how God cares for us in the same way.
Job 5:19
He will deliver you in six troubles; yes, in seven no evil shall touch you.
(WEB)
Point out that God promises to help His people through many kinds of trouble. Explain that this verse does not mean we will never have problems, but that God is with us through every one of them.
Talk About It
- What is something that makes you feel scared or sad sometimes, and who can you go to when that happens?
- How does it feel to know God is able to do things we cannot understand?
- Why do you think God sometimes corrects us, and how can being corrected help us grow?
- What is one way you can trust God this week when something is hard?
- How can we help a friend who feels low or sad, like God lifts up those who are low?
Activity Ideas
Hand Shelter Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to trace one hand on the paper and draw a little house or tent shape inside the outline. Let them write or draw one thing they can trust God with, then talk about how God is like a safe shelter over us.
Rain and Field Game
You will need a few soft balls or rolled socks and an open space. Have children stand in a line and pretend to be a field, then gently toss the balls over them as “rain.” When the teacher calls “sunshine,” everyone lifts their arms high and cheers, showing how God lifts up those who are low.
Safe Place Reminder Card
You will need an index card, a marker and a sticker or small piece of tape if you like. Help the child write “God is my safe place” on one side and draw a small heart or tent on the other. Encourage them to keep the card in a pocket, backpack or on their nightstand to remember God’s care during the week.
Teacher Notes
Eliphaz was one of Job’s friends, and his speech reflects the common belief of his time that suffering comes from sin. Adults can learn that God’s discipline is meant to bring growth and restoration, and that God’s care reaches people even in deep loss. Scripture also shows that God’s wisdom is larger than our understanding.
Avoid telling children that bad things happen only when they do something wrong, or that trusting God means they will never be hurt. Some of Eliphaz’s words were not fully correct, and God later speaks to Job in a different way. Focus on God’s faithfulness and presence rather than promising that every trouble will be removed.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for being wise and strong and kind. We are glad that we can call on You when we feel scared or sad. Help us trust You with our worries and grow closer to You each day. Amen.
