This lesson teaches children that God hears us when we cry for help and that we should thank him for rescuing us. Children aged 5 to 11 can learn it in 20 to 30 minutes with a Bible, a few art supplies, and a little movement.
Big Idea
God is good, he always loves us, and when we call out to him in trouble, he helps us. We should thank him every time.
Memory Verse
Psalm 107:1
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever.
(WEB)
Have children stand up and raise both arms high on the word “Give,” then bring their hands together in front of their hearts on “thanks.” Repeat the motion three times so the words and actions stick together.
The Story: Psalm 107 for Kids
Long ago, some people wandered in a dry, empty desert. They could not find a city to live in. They were hungry and thirsty, and their strength was almost gone. Nobody was there to bring them food or water.
Then they did something very important. They cried out to the LORD in their trouble. God heard them. He led them along a straight path until they found a safe city where they could live. Their hunger was gone, and their hearts were glad.
Some other people were in trouble too. Some were locked up in dark prisons with heavy iron chains. They had turned away from God’s good words, and now they were sad and weak. They called to the LORD, and he broke open the gates and set them free. He brought them out of the dark place.
Another group was on the sea in a ship. A great storm came, and the waves rose up high like mountains. The sailors were so scared that they staggered like people who had too much to drink. They cried to the LORD. He spoke to the wind and the waves, and the storm became calm. The sailors were so happy that they reached the place they wanted to go.
The psalm says that all of these people should praise the LORD for his love and his wonderful deeds. Everyone who is wise will think about these things and remember how faithful God is.
Read It Together
Psalm 107:6
Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses…
(WEB)
Point out the words “they cried to the LORD in their trouble.” Ask the children what they do when they feel scared, and remind them that God wants to hear from them too.
Psalm 107:9
For he satisfies the longing soul. He fills the hungry soul with good.
(WEB)
Show the children that God fills the hungry and thirsty with good things. Talk about a time when a family member or friend shared food with them, and connect that kindness to God’s care.
Psalm 107:29-30
29 He makes the storm a calm, so that its waves are still. 30 Then they are glad because it is calm, so he brings them to their desired haven.
(WEB)
Explain that God can calm a stormy sea and bring a frightened boat safely home. Ask the children to describe how they would feel if a storm suddenly stopped and the sun came out.
Talk About It
- What is something you can thank God for today?
- Who are the people in this story who were in trouble, and how did they feel?
- What did the people do when they got scared or hurt, and what did God do for them?
- How do you feel when someone helps you when you need it most?
- What is one way you can show God you are thankful for his help?
Activity Ideas
Thankful Storm Picture
Give each child a sheet of paper, crayons or markers, and a cotton ball. Have them draw a stormy sea with a boat, then glue the cotton ball on the sky as a cloud. Next, they can draw a bright sun coming out from behind it. Ask each child to write or say one thing they thank God for on the back of the page.
Calm the Storm Freeze Game
Play some lively music and have the children dance or move around the room like waves in a storm. When you stop the music and call out “Calm!”, they must freeze completely still, like the sea after God calmed the storm. Play several rounds, and each time say, “Thank you, God, for calming the storm,” before you start the music again.
Thank You Jar at Home
Find an empty jar or small box and some strips of paper. Set them somewhere the family can see them every day. Ask each family member to write one thing they are thankful to God for and drop it in the jar. At dinner or bedtime, read a few of the notes aloud together and thank God for each one.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this psalm shows that God’s love is steady and dependable through every kind of trouble, whether hunger, imprisonment, sickness, or a storm at sea. The people in the psalm did not earn their rescue. They called out in their need, and God answered out of his faithful love. The repeated refrain invites the whole community to respond with thanks.
With children, avoid suggesting that trouble only comes to people who have done wrong, or that calling on God guarantees every problem disappears right away. The psalm does mention rebellion and foolishness as causes of some suffering, but it also shows God’s kindness to the hungry, the frightened, and the weary. Focus on God’s faithfulness and his love rather than promising specific outcomes.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you for being good and for loving us forever. When we are scared or hungry or lost, help us remember that we can call out to you, and you will hear us. Teach us to thank you for all your wonderful deeds. Amen.
