Psalm 146 teaches children that God is the one we can always trust for help, because He made everything and He cares for people who are hurting or left out. This lesson is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is always good and always faithful. He helps people who need it, and we can trust Him every day of our lives.
Memory Verse
Psalm 146:5
Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD, his God…
(WEB)
Have children place one hand on their heart and raise the other hand high as they say the verse together. Repeat it three times, lowering the raised hand a little each time until both hands rest on the heart.
The Story: Psalm 146 for Kids
Long ago, a songwriter sat down to write a song to God. He began by telling his own soul to praise the Lord. He said he would sing to God for as long as he lived. The songwriter wanted everyone to know that God is worthy of praise every single day.
Then the songwriter gave a warning. He told the people not to put all their trust in princes or powerful leaders. Those leaders are only people, and people cannot always help us. When a person dies, their plans die with them. Only God lasts forever.
The songwriter said, “Happy is the one who has the God of Jacob for his help.” Happy means blessed and joyful. Those who lean on God find real hope. God made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them. He always keeps His promises and always does what is right.
God takes care of people who are in trouble. He gives food to hungry people. He sets prisoners free. He opens the eyes of people who cannot see. He lifts up those who have been pushed down. The songwriter said that God loves those who do what is right.
God also looks after the foreigners who live far from home. He helps children who have no father and women who have no husband. The song ends the way it began: the Lord will reign forever, and everyone should praise Him. The whole song is a happy shout of trust in a God who never changes.
Read It Together
Psalm 146:6-7
6 Who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; who keeps truth forever; 7 who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry. The LORD frees the prisoners.
(WEB)
Point out that God is the One who made the sky, the land, and the sea. Then point out that He gives food to the hungry and frees prisoners. Ask children to notice that God’s power is always used to help people.
Psalm 146:8
The LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD raises up those who are bowed down. The LORD loves the righteous.
(WEB)
Show children that God helps people who cannot see, and He lifts up people who feel low. Explain that God notices people others might overlook, and He cares about each one.
Psalm 146:9
The LORD preserves the foreigners. He upholds the fatherless and widow, but the way of the wicked he turns upside down.
(WEB)
Talk about how God takes care of foreigners, orphans, and widows. Explain that these are people who often have no one to protect them, and God promises to uphold them.
Talk About It
- What is one thing God made that you see every day?
- Who is someone who needs help right now, and how could you help them?
- Why do you think the songwriter told his soul to praise God?
- How does it feel to know that God never breaks His promises?
- What is one way you can trust God when you feel scared or worried?
Activity Ideas
Hands That Help Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child trace their hand on paper and cut it out. On each finger, have them draw or write one way God helps people, such as feeding the hungry or lifting up the weak. Hang the hands on a wall as a reminder of God’s care.
Lift Them Up Game
Ask children to stand in a circle. Call out one kind of person God helps, like “the hungry” or “the prisoners,” and have the children act out lifting up or helping. Then call out “God is faithful!” and everyone cheers and claps. Keep the game moving so children stay energized and engaged.
Trust Jar at Home
You will need an empty jar, paper slips, and a pen. Each day for one week, have your child write one thing God has done for them or one person they can help, folding the slip and placing it in the jar. At the end of the week, open the jar together and read each note aloud as a family to praise God for His faithfulness.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 146 calls us to put our hope in God rather than in human power, wealth, or status. The psalm reminds us that God is the Creator who keeps His word and who has a special concern for the poor, the oppressed, and the vulnerable. It invites us to praise Him as an ongoing act of trust throughout our lives.
Be careful not to suggest to children that trusting God means nothing bad will ever happen to them. The psalm speaks of God helping the hurting, but children may need help understanding that God’s help can come in many forms, and that He is with us even in hard times.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we praise You because You made everything and You never stop caring for us. Help us trust You every day and remember that You help people who are hungry, hurting, or lonely. Teach us to be kind to others the way You are kind to us. Amen.
