This lesson teaches children one simple truth: God knows everything about us and loves us completely, even before we are born. It suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, questions and a short activity.
Big Idea
God knows me completely, He made me on purpose, and He is always with me wherever I go.
Memory Verse
Psalm 139:14
I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. My soul knows that very well.
(WEB)
Place both hands over your heart when you say the words “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Then open your arms wide, like a child showing how big something is. Repeat the motions three times so children remember that God made them with care.
The Story: Psalm 139 for Kids
A king named David wrote a special song to God. He sat quietly and thought about how well God knows him. God knew when he sat down and when he stood up. God knew even the words he had not yet said out loud.
David thought about where he could go to hide from God. He imagined climbing up into the sky, but God was there. He imagined going down into the deepest places, and God was there too. David said that even in the dark, God could see him as clearly as in the bright sunshine.
Then David remembered how he began. Long before anyone could see him, God was already making him inside his mother’s body. David said that God had knit him together with care. David was amazed that he had been made so carefully and wonderfully.
David finished his song by asking God to look inside his heart. He prayed, “Search me, God, and know my heart.” He wanted God to show him anything that was not right, so he could follow God’s good path. David trusted that God knew him and loved him, and he wanted to walk with God every day.
Read It Together
Psalm 139:1-4
1 The LORD, you have searched me, and you know me. 2 You know my sitting down and my rising up. You perceive my thoughts from afar. 3 You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. 4 For there is not a word on my tongue, but, behold, the LORD, you know it altogether.
(WEB)
Point out the words “you know me” and “you know it altogether.” Ask children to name something they have done today that God already knew about. Remind them that God knows their thoughts even before they speak.
Psalm 139:7-10
7 Where could I go from your Spirit? Or where could I flee from your presence? 8 If I ascend up into heaven, you are there. If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, you are there! 9 If I take the wings of the dawn, and settle in the uttermost parts of the sea; 10 Even there your hand will lead me, and your right hand will hold me.
(WEB)
Show children how David lists places he could go, like the sky, the depths and the sea. Explain that in every place, God’s hand leads and holds David. Ask the children where they feel safe knowing God is near them.
Psalm 139:23-24
23 Search me, God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts. 24 See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.
(WEB)
Point out that David asks God to search his heart and lead him. Explain that God helps us want to do what is right and gently shows us when we need to change. Encourage children that asking God for help is always a good idea.
Talk About It
- What is one thing God knows about you that nobody else knows?
- How does it make you feel to know God made you on purpose and with care?
- Where is a place you might feel scared, and how does knowing God is there help you?
- What do you think David was thinking about when he said God knit him together?
- How can you ask God to help your heart be good this week?
Activity Ideas
Handprint Heart Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child trace one of their hands on the paper and cut it out. Then ask them to draw a heart inside the handprint and write or draw one thing God knows about them. Display the pictures to remind everyone that God made each person with care.
Hide and Seek with God Is Always There
Choose a room or yard where children can safely hide. Play a short game of hide and seek, and each time someone is found, have them say, “God is here too!” Explain that David knew God could find him anywhere. Keep the game fun and short so the lesson stays joyful.
Wonderfully Made Bookmark
You will need cardstock or thick paper, markers, a hole punch and a short piece of yarn. Help each child write “Fearfully and wonderfully made” on the bookmark and decorate it with colors or stickers. Punch a hole at the top, tie the yarn through it, and send it home so children can read it during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 139 shows that God’s knowledge of us is personal, complete and loving. David finds comfort rather than fear in God’s nearness, because the God who knows him intimately is also faithful and good. Adults can also see that asking God to search their hearts is a humble and healthy practice.
Avoid overstating to children that they will never feel sad or afraid. The psalm speaks of God’s presence in every place, but children may still have hard feelings, and it is good to say so. Focus on God’s loving presence instead of promising that nothing difficult will happen.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for knowing us completely and loving us anyway. Thank you for making us fearfully and wonderfully. Help us remember that you are with us everywhere we go. Search our hearts and lead us in your good way. Amen.
