This lesson teaches children that God hears us when we call to him and rescues us from our fears and troubles. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God hears us when we are scared or sad, and he takes care of us. We can always talk to him, and he is good to everyone who trusts him.
Memory Verse
Psalm 34:8
Oh taste and see that the LORD is good. Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
(WEB)
Cup your hands together like a little bowl, then slowly open them wide, as if you are tasting something sweet. Have the children do this motion each time they say the verse, and ask them what “good” tastes like.
The Story: Psalm 34 for Kids
King David wrote this song a long time ago. He had been in a very scary place, and he was afraid that bad things would happen to him. He prayed and asked God for help, and God heard him right away. God took away his fears, and David did not have to be scared anymore.
David wanted everyone to know how good God is. He asked his friends to sing and praise God with him. He said, “Let us exalt his name together.” David knew that God was close and that God could be trusted, even when the days were hard.
David also remembered a poor man who cried out to God in trouble. God heard that man and saved him from all his problems. David said that God’s helpers, called angels, stay close to those who love and fear God. They keep them safe.
Then David spoke to the children. He said, “Come, you children, listen to me. I will teach you the fear of the LORD.” He told them to keep their tongues from saying bad things and to choose kind words. He wanted them to turn away from doing wrong and to try hard to make peace with others.
David also reminded everyone that God is close to people whose hearts are sad or hurting. God does not walk away from them. He saves those who feel crushed and small. David trusted that God would always take care of him, and he wanted his listeners to trust God too.
Read It Together
Psalm 34:4
I sought the LORD, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.
(WEB)
Point out that David says, “I sought the LORD, and he answered me.” Ask the children to name a time they asked God for help. Explain that God hears every prayer, even the quiet ones we whisper.
Psalm 34:17-18
17 The righteous cry, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. 18 The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.
(WEB)
Show the children that God is near to people with sad or hurting hearts. Ask them how they might comfort a friend who feels sad, and remind them that God comforts people too.
Psalm 34:11-14
11 Come, you children, listen to me. I will teach you the fear of the LORD. 12 Who is someone who desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good? 13 Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking lies. 14 Depart from evil, and do good. seek peace, and pursue it.
(WEB)
Point out the simple instructions David gives: choose kind words, turn away from wrong, and try to make peace. Talk about one small way each child can do good and make peace this week.
Talk About It
- What is something that makes you feel scared, and what can you do when you feel that way?
- How did God help David when he was afraid, according to this song?
- What are some kind words you could say to a friend today?
- Why do you think God is close to people who feel sad or hurt?
- How can you show God that you trust him this week?
Activity Ideas
Hand Prayer Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and pencils. Have each child trace one of their hands on the paper, then draw something they are scared or worried about inside the outline. Next, have them draw a small heart or star around that picture to show God’s care. Let them take their drawing home to remind them that God hears them.
Good Taste Game
You will need a few small snacks, such as crackers or grapes, and a blindfold or a paper cup. Before the game, say the memory verse together and do the hand motion. Then blindfold one child at a time, give them a small taste, and ask whether it was good. Connect this to the verse: just as they can taste that the snack is good, they can taste that the Lord is good.
Family Thank You Card
You will need a sheet of paper, a pencil, and a marker. Ask each child to write or draw one way God helped them this week, or one thing they are thankful for. Encourage them to give the card to someone at home and read it together during dinner. This helps children remember that God hears prayers and cares for them every day.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 34 is a song of thanksgiving written by David. It rejoices in God’s faithfulness, invites others to trust him, and teaches that God is especially near to those who suffer. The psalm also connects trust in God with a life of honesty, kindness, and peace.
When teaching children, avoid promising that God will always remove every hard thing from their lives. Instead, emphasize that God hears them and is with them in every situation, which is the true heart of this psalm.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for hearing us when we call to you. Help us to trust you when we feel scared, and help us to speak kind words and do good things. Thank you that you are close to us and that you take care of us every day. Amen.
