In this lesson, children learn that the Lord is the true God who can help and protect us, while idols cannot see, hear, or help anyone. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
Only the Lord is real and powerful, so we trust Him, not things that cannot help us.
Memory Verse
Psalm 115:9
Israel, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield.
(WEB)
Have children hold both hands up in front of them like a shield, then tap their chest twice while saying, “He is our help and our shield.” Repeat it together three times, getting a little quieter each time.
The Story: Psalm 115 for Kids
Long ago, God’s people sang a song to remind everyone who the real God is. Some people around them asked a question that sounded mean. They wanted to know, “Where is your God now?” The singers knew the answer, and they wanted everyone to hear it clearly.
The singers said that their God lives in the heavens, and He does whatever He pleases. They looked at the idols the other nations made out of silver and gold. Those idols had mouths, but they could not talk. They had eyes, but they could not see. They had ears, but they could not hear anything at all.
The song said something surprising. People who make idols end up becoming like them, because they trust things that cannot help. Then the singers turned to the people of Israel and said, “Trust the Lord! He is your help and your shield.” They called on the family of Aaron and everyone who feared the Lord to trust Him too.
The singers ended by promising that the Lord remembers His people and will bless them. He will bless them, both small and great. They said that the heavens belong to the Lord, and He has given the earth to people to care for. The song finished with the words, “We will bless the Lord from now on and forever. Praise the Lord!”
Read It Together
Psalm 115:3-4
3 But our God is in the heavens. He does whatever he pleases. 4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.
(WEB)
Point out that God does whatever He pleases, while the idols are only silver and gold made by human hands. Ask the children to notice the difference between the Creator and the things people make.
Psalm 115:12-13
12 The LORD remembers us. He will bless us. He will bless the house of Israel. He will bless the house of Aaron. 13 He will bless those who fear the LORD, both small and great.
(WEB)
Show the children the words “The Lord remembers us.” Explain that God never forgets His people and that He gives blessings to everyone who fears Him, both young and old.
Psalm 115:16
The heavens are the heavens of the LORD; but the earth has he given to the children of men.
(WEB)
Point to the heavens and then to the earth as you read. Tell the children that God is in charge of the sky, and He has trusted the earth to people, which means we have an important job to do.
Talk About It
- What did the idols in the story have, and what could they not do?
- Why do you think the singers wanted everyone to remember that God is in the heavens?
- What is something a person might trust that cannot really help them?
- How does it feel to know that the Lord remembers you?
- What is one way you can show that you trust the Lord this week?
Activity Ideas
Shield Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Ask each child to draw a large shield on the paper and cut it out. On the front, they can write or draw one way the Lord helps them, such as keeping them safe at night or giving them friends. Hang the shields on the wall as a reminder that God is their help.
Idol or Helper Game
Gather a few household objects, like a spoon, a toy, and a cup, and set them in a row. Call out things like “Can it talk?” or “Can it see?” Children stand up if the answer is yes for a helper, or stay seated for an idol that cannot help. Then say, “Our God is the one who helps us,” and have everyone stand tall with their hands out like a shield.
Take-Home Blessing Card
You will need index cards and a pencil. Write “The Lord remembers you and will bless you” on each card, one per child. Encourage them to take it home and read it to someone in their family at dinner. Suggest they tape the card somewhere they will see it each morning, such as on a bedroom mirror or near the front door.
Teacher Notes
Psalm 115 contrasts the living God, who acts freely and keeps His promises, with lifeless idols that cannot respond to their worshipers. For adults, the psalm invites a steady trust in the Lord as the true source of help, protection, and blessing, while warning that what we trust tends to shape us over time.
Avoid suggesting to children that idols are only dangerous to people in ancient times, or that they can be frightened into faith. Keep the focus on the Lord’s kindness and His faithfulness, and let children simply enjoy learning that He is a good and trustworthy helper.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, we give You all the glory because You are real and You can help us. Thank You for being our shield and for remembering us every day. Help us trust You and not things that cannot help. We will bless You now and forever. Amen.
