This lesson teaches children that they can trust God to make things right, even when bad people seem to get away with things. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God sees everything, and he takes care of those who trust him. We do not need to be angry or jealous when unfair things happen, because God is always in charge and always good.
Memory Verse
Psalm 37:5
Commit your way to the LORD. Trust also in him, and he will do this…
(WEB)
Teach the children to say the verse while slowly lifting both hands up and then placing them over their hearts. Hands up means giving our problems to God, and hands on the heart means we trust him with our whole selves.
The Story: Psalm 37 for Kids
King David wrote this song a long time ago, and he wanted his friends to remember an important truth. Some people in his country were mean and cheated others to get what they wanted. It made many good people feel angry and upset. David said, “Do not worry about the bad people, and do not wish you were like them.”
David explained that the wicked people would not last forever. Their power would fade away like grass that dries up in the summer sun. The people who trusted God would be the ones who would enjoy the good land. God would keep his promises to them.
David told his friends to be kind and to do good things every day. He said, “Trust in the Lord, and do good.” When we do what is right, we can rest and wait for God to act. He knows exactly what is going on and he cares about each person.
David remembered that he had been young and had now grown old. In all those years, he had never seen God leave a good person without help. Good people did not have to beg for bread, because God took care of them. This made David feel calm and strong.
At the end of his song, David said that God rescues the people who run to him for safety. God is their strong hiding place when trouble comes. David wanted everyone to know that God is faithful and never gives up on his children.
Read It Together
Psalm 37:3
Trust in the LORD, and do good. Dwell in the land, and enjoy safe pasture.
(WEB)
Point out the two things God asks us to do here: trust him and do good. Ask the children what kind things they could do this week to show God they trust him.
Psalm 37:7
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.
(WEB)
Show the children the word “rest” and explain that resting in God means not worrying and not trying to fix everything ourselves. Let them practice taking a slow, deep breath together.
Psalm 37:39
But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD. He is their stronghold in the time of trouble.
(WEB)
Explain that God is our stronghold, which means a safe and strong place to hide. Ask the children to think of times they felt safe, such as sitting close to a parent during a thunderstorm.
Talk About It
- What is one thing that made you feel unfair or angry this week, and what did you do about it?
- How can you tell when someone is trusting God instead of worrying?
- What kind and good things can you do for someone else today?
- Why do you think God wants us to wait patiently for him instead of rushing ahead?
- What does it feel like to know that God is always there to help you?
Activity Ideas
Trust Tree Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and tape. Have each child draw a tall, strong tree with deep roots and many green leaves. On the roots, they should write or draw one thing they can trust God with, such as a worry about school or a friend. Hang the trees on the wall so the class can see them.
Stand Firm Game
Clear some space in the room and ask the children to stand in a line. Call out things that feel unfair, like “someone took my turn,” and have the children hold their hands up and say “I trust God.” Then ask them to balance on one foot for five seconds, reminding them that God holds them up even when they feel wobbly.
Take-Home Promise Card
Give each child an index card or a small piece of cardstock and a pencil. Ask them to write “I can trust God” on one side and draw a small heart on the other. Encourage them to keep the card in a pocket or on the bedroom mirror and read it whenever they feel worried or upset.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 37 speaks to the frustration of watching injustice seem to succeed while faithful people wait. David urges believers not to be consumed by envy but to entrust their lives and their cause to the Lord, who judges rightly and sustains the righteous. The psalm invites patient, active faith rather than passive resignation.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the idea that bad people will always be punished right away or that good people will never suffer. The psalm speaks of God’s eventual justice and his faithful care, and children should hear that God is trustworthy even when we cannot see the full picture.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we thank you that you see everything and you never forget us. Help us to trust you when things feel unfair, and help us to do good even when it is hard. Keep us safe in your love and remind us that you are always with us. Amen.
