This lesson teaches children that they can talk honestly to God when they feel sad or forgotten, and that God still listens and loves them. It is best for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God hears us when we feel sad, and we can trust that He loves us even when we do not understand what is happening.
Memory Verse
Psalm 13:5
But I trust in your loving kindness. My heart rejoices in your salvation.
(WEB)
Place one hand on your heart when you say “I trust,” then open both arms wide when you say “I rejoice.” Practice this motion together three times so the words and the actions stay linked in your children’s minds.
The Story: Psalm 13 for Kids
King David wrote this song when he felt very sad. He felt as if God had gone away and forgot about him. Every day he carried a heavy ache in his heart, and he wondered how long it would last.
David was also troubled by enemies who were glad to see him in trouble. He could almost hear them laughing. He did not want them to say they had won against him, so he asked God for help. He asked God to shine light into his eyes so he would not give up.
David did not hide his feelings from God. He told God exactly how he felt, in honest words. He asked, “How long, Lord?” and he meant it. Talking to God honestly was the first step he took.
Then something changed in David’s heart. He remembered that God had always been kind and faithful to him. He said, “I trust in your loving kindness.” His sadness did not vanish in one moment, but his trust grew stronger.
At the end of the song, David decided to sing. He said, “I will sing to the LORD, because he has been good to me.” Even while his troubles were still there, David chose to thank God for His goodness.
Read It Together
Psalm 13:1-2
1 How long, the LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2 How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart every day? How long shall my enemy triumph over me?
(WEB)
Point out that David asks God questions honestly. Explain that it is okay to tell God when we feel sad, worried, or confused, because God wants to hear from us.
Psalm 13:3-4
3 Behold, and answer me, the LORD, my God. Give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death; 4 Lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed against him”; Lest my adversaries rejoice when I fall.
(WEB)
Show children that David asks God to help him. Explain that asking for help, even when we are scared, is a good thing to do when we feel weak.
Psalm 13:6
I will sing to the LORD, because he has been good to me.
(WEB)
Point out the last word of the psalm, which is a decision to sing. Explain that thanking God for His goodness can happen even when a hard problem has not yet gone away.
Talk About It
- What is one thing that makes you feel sad or forgotten sometimes?
- What did David do when he felt sad, and what could you do?
- Why do you think David asked God, “How long?”
- How do you think David felt when he remembered God’s kindness?
- What is one good thing God has done for you that you can thank Him for today?
Activity Ideas
Heart Light Drawing
You will need paper, crayons, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a big heart in the middle of the page. Then have them draw bright rays of light coming out from the heart, and write or draw one thing they can trust God to do. Let the children share their pictures with the group.
Sad Song to Happy Song Game
You will need a open space and a simple song everyone knows. Ask the children to act out a sad face and slow movements, then slowly change to big smiles and joyful movements as the song goes on. Explain that David’s song changed in the same way, from sad to glad.
Take-Home Prayer Card
You will need index cards, markers, and a hole punch with yarn. Have each child write “I can tell God how I feel” on one side and “God is good to me” on the other. Punch a hole in the corner and tie on the yarn. Encourage the family to keep the card by the bed or on the fridge as a daily reminder.
Teacher Notes
Psalm 13 shows that honest prayer, including complaints and questions, is a real and welcome part of a relationship with God. Adults can see in this psalm that trust and sorrow can live together, and that a shift from lament to praise often happens gradually rather than all at once.
Avoid telling children that every sad feeling will disappear the moment they pray. David’s situation did not change in the psalm itself, and it is more truthful to say that God gives us peace and courage to keep going while we wait for Him to act.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that we can tell You when we feel sad or forgotten. Help us trust Your kindness even when we do not understand. Give us courage to sing and thank You for all the good things You do for us. Amen.
