Psalm 138 teaches children that God hears us when we call to him, and that we can thank him with our whole heart wherever we are. This lesson suits children aged about 5 to 11 and takes 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the discussion and a short activity.
Big Idea
God hears when we call to him, so we can thank him with our whole heart every day, even when things feel hard.
Memory Verse
Psalm 138:3
In the day that I called, you answered me. You encouraged me with strength in my soul.
(WEB)
Cup your hands in front of your chest like you are holding a gift, then lift them up high on the word “called.” Lower them gently on “answered me.” Teach the children to do the motion each time they say the verse, and they will remember both the words and the picture of God answering.
The Story: Psalm 138 for Kids
King David wrote this song to God. He had been in a lot of trouble, with enemies all around him and bad things happening to him. But David did not stop trusting God. He knew that God was with him, and that God would keep His promises.
David said, “I will give you thanks with my whole heart.” He did not thank God with only half of himself. He meant it with his whole heart, his whole voice and his whole life. He wanted every part of him to say thank you to God, and he wanted to sing about God even in front of people who did not know Him.
David remembered a time when he called out to God, and God answered him. God gave him strength inside, so he felt brave and calm again. That is a good thing to remember when we feel scared. God listens to us, and He helps us.
David knew that God is very high and very great, but God also looks after people who are small and humble. The proud people, who think they do not need God, are not hidden from Him. God sees everyone.
Even when David walked through hard times, he trusted that God would bring him back to life and keep him safe. He said that God would fulfill what concerned him. In other words, God would finish the good work He started in David’s life.
At the end of the song, David prayed that God would not leave the works of His own hands. He was saying, “Lord, you made me, and I am yours. Please do not let me go.” David ended his song trusting that God’s kindness lasts forever.
Read It Together
Psalm 138:1
I will give you thanks with my whole heart. Before the gods, I will sing praises to you.
(WEB)
Point out the words “whole heart.” Ask the children what it would look like to thank God with only a little bit of their heart. Then show them how David chose to give God all of himself, and invite them to think of one small way they can do the same today.
Psalm 138:6
For though the LORD is high, yet he looks after the lowly; but the proud, he knows from afar.
(WEB)
Show the children how God is high above everything, yet He looks after the lowly. Explain that “lowly” means humble or small, and that God cares for people who do not feel important. Help the children see that God notices them just as much as He notices anyone else.
Psalm 138:7
Though I walk in the middle of trouble, you will revive me. You will stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies. Your right hand will save me.
(WEB)
Point out the words about walking in trouble and being revived. Explain that God does not promise a life without problems, but He promises to be with us in them. Encourage the children that God’s right hand is strong enough to save them, even when they feel afraid.
Talk About It
- What is one thing you can thank God for today, and how can you say it with your whole heart?
- Why do you think David remembered the time God answered him when he was scared?
- How does it feel to know that God sees even the smallest person in the room?
- What helps you feel brave when you are going through something hard?
- How can you tell someone else about how good God is this week?
Activity Ideas
Heart Thank-You Cards
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child trace a large heart shape on paper and cut it out. On the heart, they can draw or write one thing they thank God for. Let them take turns sharing their heart with the group, and then display the hearts on a wall or table as a reminder that we thank God with our whole heart.
Lift Up and Answer
This game needs an open space and a small soft ball or a rolled-up sock. Stand the children in a circle. Say “called” and have them lift their arms high. Say “answered” and have them bring their arms down and clap once. Toss the ball to a child each time they answer, so they practice calling out and listening for God’s answer in a playful way.
Thankful Jar at Home
You will need an empty jar, paper slips and a pen. Place the jar somewhere the family sees each day, like the kitchen table. Each evening, everyone writes one thing they are thankful for on a slip and drops it in the jar. At the end of the week, read the slips together and thank God for each gift, reminding the children that God hears every thank-you.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 138 is a song of thanksgiving from someone who has been through real trouble and still trusts God. It shows that gratitude and honest struggle can sit side by side. The psalm also highlights God’s attentiveness to the humble and His faithfulness to finish what He begins in our lives.
With children, avoid suggesting that God will always rescue them from every hard thing or that faith guarantees an easy life. Instead, emphasize that God is with us in trouble and that He hears us, which is both true and reassuring for young hearts.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, we thank you with our whole hearts. Thank you for hearing us when we call and for being with us in hard times. Help us remember that you see us and care for us every day. Amen.
