This lesson teaches children that they can always bring their hurts, mistakes and fears to God and ask Him for help, even when they feel very sad. It is best for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Read the story slowly and let the children ask questions as you go.
Big Idea
When we are hurting and sorry for our mistakes, we can always run to God and ask Him to help us. He hears every word we say.
Memory Verse
Psalm 38:21
Don’t forsake me, the LORD. My God, don’t be far from me.
(WEB)
Have the children cup their hands together in front of their chests, like they are holding something precious, then slowly lift them up toward the sky as they say the verse. The motion shows that God is close to us and that we are reaching up to Him for help.
The Story: Psalm 38 for Kids
A man named David wrote a song to God when he was very sick and sad. He felt like his body hurt all over, and he had done some things that were wrong. His heart beat fast, and he felt tired and weak. Nobody could fix his problems by themselves, so he knew he needed God.
David’s friends stayed far away from him because they did not want to be near his trouble. Some people who did not like him made plans to hurt him and told lies about him. David felt like he could not even speak up to defend himself. He was quiet like someone who could not hear or talk.
But David did not stop praying. He told God everything that was on his heart. He said, “Lord, please do not stay far away from me. Come quickly and help me!” David trusted that God would listen to him, even when no one else seemed to be listening.
David also said he was sorry for the wrong things he had done. He did not hide his mistakes from God. He knew that God is kind and ready to forgive when we tell Him the truth. Saying sorry is a brave and good thing to do.
Think about how David felt when he was lonely and scared. He still chose to talk to God and ask for help. Even big grown-ups feel sad and need God’s help, just like you do. God never stops caring for us.
Read It Together
Psalm 38:15
For in you, the LORD, do I hope. You will answer, Lord my God.
(WEB)
Point out that David says he hopes in the LORD. Ask the children what it means to hope in someone, and explain that David was waiting with confidence for God to answer him.
Psalm 38:18
For I will declare my iniquity. I will be sorry for my sin.
(WEB)
Show the children that David was honest about his sin and said he was sorry. Explain that telling God the truth about our wrongs is the first step toward being forgiven and feeling clean again.
Psalm 38:22
Hurry to help me, Lord, my salvation.
(WEB)
Point out that David asked God to hurry and help him. Talk about how it feels to wait for help and why it is good to ask God quickly when we need Him.
Talk About It
- What is something that made you feel sad or scared, and what did you do about it?
- Why do you think David kept talking to God even when his friends stayed away?
- How do you feel when you know God is close to you?
- What is a wrong thing you have done that you could tell God about?
- When you need help, what are some words you could pray, like David did?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Prayer Picture
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a picture of a time they felt sad or needed help. Then have them draw a big arrow pointing up toward a small sun or a heart labeled God. Let them share their picture and explain how they could talk to God about it.
Help Me, Lord Freeze Game
You will need an open space and a timer or a clap. Call out a feeling like “scared” or “lonely,” and have the children act out that feeling with their bodies. When you clap, they freeze and whisper “Lord, help me!” Then have them start moving again. Repeat a few times so the children learn that they can talk to God anytime.
Prayer Stone Take-Home
You will need small smooth stones or pebbles, a marker, and a small bag or envelope for each child. Let the children write a simple word like “help” or “sorry” on a stone. Encourage them to carry the stone in a pocket or keep it on their nightstand. When they see it during the week, they can remember to pray and ask God for help.
Teacher Notes
Psalm 38 is a prayer David wrote when he was suffering from illness, guilt, and the hostility of enemies and friends who had turned away. For adults, it shows that honest lament and confession belong in our relationship with God, and that He welcomes our raw and painful words. Believers can bring their whole selves to God, including their sin, without pretending everything is fine.
With children, avoid overstating a direct link between every sickness or hard event and personal sin. Psalm 38 describes David’s own experience and feelings, and children may wrongly conclude that bad things happen only to bad people. Instead, emphasize that God is near to everyone who calls on Him, and that He cares deeply for those who are hurting.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that we can always talk to You when we feel sad, scared, or sorry for the wrong things we do. Please stay close to us and help us when we need You. Thank You that You always hear us and love us. Amen.
