This lesson teaches children that they do not need to worry about people who do wrong, because God is good and He takes care of those who trust Him. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God takes care of the people who trust Him, so we do not need to be jealous or worried when others seem to get ahead by doing wrong.
Memory Verse
Psalm 37:5
Commit your way to the LORD. Trust also in him, and he will do this…
(WEB)
Hold your arms out in front of you, palms up, like you are handing something to someone. Then say the verse slowly while you move your hands up toward the sky. This motion reminds children that they can hand their worries over to God.
The Story: Psalm 37 for Kids
King David wrote a song long ago to help God’s people feel better. Some people in the land were doing bad things. They were telling lies, hurting others, and getting rich in unfair ways. The people who loved God felt upset and wondered why those bad people seemed to be doing so well.
David wrote a song to answer their worries. He told them, “Do not be upset about people who do wrong. They will not last forever. They will fade away like grass that dries up in the hot sun.” He wanted them to remember that the bad things would not stay around for long.
Then David gave them some good instructions. He said, “Trust the Lord and do good. Enjoy the land God gave you. Be happy in Him.” David told them that God would give them the good things their hearts truly needed. He said, “Give your whole life to the Lord and trust Him to take care of you.”
David also reminded them to be patient. He said, “Wait quietly for the Lord, and keep following His ways.” He told them that God sees everything, even when it seems like nobody else does. God knows who loves Him, and He will take care of them.
David finished his song with a happy promise. He said that the people who trust God will be safe, even when hard times come. He said that the Lord is their helper and their safe place. God rescues them, and they can be happy knowing that God is always with them.
Read It Together
Psalm 37:3-4
3 Trust in the LORD, and do good. Dwell in the land, and enjoy safe pasture. 4 Also delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
(WEB)
Point out the two things David says to do: trust the Lord and delight in Him. Ask children what they think it means to be happy in God. Explain that when we love God, He gives us what is good for us.
Psalm 37:7-8
7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him. Don’t fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who makes wicked plots happen. 8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath. Don’t fret, it leads only to evildoing.
(WEB)
Show children the words “rest” and “don’t be angry.” Explain that worry and anger can make us do wrong things. Help them see that resting in God means trusting Him instead of getting upset.
Psalm 37:39
But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD. He is their stronghold in the time of trouble.
(WEB)
Point out that God is a stronghold, which means a strong safe place. Ask children where they feel safe at home or at school. Then remind them that God is an even safer place for His people.
Talk About It
- What did David tell the people to do when they felt upset about bad people?
- How can you show that you trust God when something feels unfair?
- What is one good thing you can do this week instead of getting jealous of someone?
- Why do you think God wants us to wait patiently for Him?
- How do you feel knowing that God always sees what is happening to you?
Activity Ideas
Grass and Sunshine Craft
You will need construction paper, crayons or markers, green tissue paper, glue, and scissors. Have each child draw a large sun in the top corner of the paper. Then let them glue small pieces of green tissue paper at the bottom to make grass. Talk about how God’s care lasts longer than the grass that fades.
Trust Walk Game
Ask one child to close their eyes while another child gently guides them across the room by voice only. Use a few chairs or pillows as obstacles to walk around. Afterward, talk about how it felt to trust someone who could see the way. Connect this to trusting God, who always knows where we are going.
Take-Home Promise Card
Give each child an index card and a pencil. Have them write or draw one way they can trust God this week, such as not being jealous or waiting patiently. Let them keep the card on their bedroom mirror or in their backpack. Encourage them to look at it when they feel worried.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 37 is a wisdom poem that addresses the frustration of watching wrongdoers appear to prosper. The psalm does not promise immediate justice in this life but calls believers to trust God’s timing, His character, and His faithfulness to the righteous. It encourages steady, patient faith rather than envy or anger.
With children, avoid suggesting that everyone who is wealthy or successful is bad, or that God will always give us whatever we ask for in a material sense. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness, His love for His people, and the peace that comes from trusting Him.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, help us not to be jealous when others seem to get things we want. Help us trust You and do what is right every day. Thank You for taking care of us and keeping us safe. We love You. Amen.
