This lesson teaches children that God is still with his people when life feels hard, and that they can tell him how they feel. It suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including a short activity.
Big Idea
God remembers his people and helps them, even when they feel sad, scared, or forgotten. We can always talk to him about our troubles.
Memory Verse
Psalm 44:1
We have heard with our ears, God; our fathers have told us, what work you did in their days, in the days of old.
(WEB)
Have children cup one hand behind an ear as they say the first few words, then open both palms outward to show they are telling God everything. Repeat it together three times, getting a little quieter each time.
The Story: Psalm 44 for Kids
Long ago, the people of Israel gathered to sing and pray. They remembered the stories their parents had told them about how God had helped their ancestors. God had driven out enemies and given them a home. The singers told God that they had heard these stories with their own ears.
But now the people were in trouble. Their enemies had beaten them, and it felt as if God had turned away. The people were like sheep waiting to be taken away for food. Their neighbors laughed at them, and they felt ashamed. They asked God, “Why do you seem to be sleeping?”
The people did not pretend everything was fine. They were honest about their pain. They told God that their hearts were sad and their bodies felt heavy, like they were stuck to the ground. Some of them were scared that God had forgotten them completely.
Even in their sadness, the people kept talking to God. They said they had not stopped following him. They did not turn away from his path. They asked him to wake up, to rise, and to help them. They trusted that God loved them, and they asked him to save them because of his kind and faithful love.
The people’s story ends with a cry for help. They did not know how the trouble would end, but they knew where to turn. They gave God their worries and waited for his answer.
Read It Together
Psalm 44:3
For they didn’t get the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them; but your right hand, and your arm, and the light of your face, because you were favorable to them.
(WEB)
Point out that the people remembered that God’s strength, not their own, had saved them in the past. Ask the children how remembering something good that God did before can help them feel brave today.
Psalm 44:21
Won’t God search this out? For he knows the secrets of the heart.
(WEB)
Show the children that God knows what is inside our hearts, even the things we do not say out loud. Explain that God knows our feelings and cares about them.
Psalm 44:26
Rise up to help us. Redeem us for your loving kindness’ sake.
(WEB)
Point out that the psalm ends with a request for help based on God’s loving kindness. Remind the children that they can ask God for help at any time, and that his love never fails.
Talk About It
- What is something God did for people that you have heard about in a story?
- When have you felt like God was far away or was not listening to you?
- What did the people in this psalm do when they felt sad and scared?
- Why do you think it is good to be honest with God about how you feel?
- What is one thing you could say to God the next time you feel worried?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Remembering Picture
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw one thing God has done for them or their family, like a sunny day, a good friend, or a safe home. Let them write or dictate a short title at the top. Hang the pictures where everyone can see them as a reminder of God’s help.
Sheep and Shepherd Game
Clear a space in a room or yard. Pick one child to be the shepherd and let the rest be sheep. The shepherd tries to gather the sheep together while they walk around the room. Talk about how God gathers and protects his people, even when they feel scattered or lost. Play for five minutes, then switch shepherds.
Prayer Jar at Home
You will need a clean jar, scrap paper, and a pen. Each day, invite your child to write or draw one worry on a slip of paper and fold it into the jar. Then pray together, giving God each worry. Read the slips again at the end of the week and thank God for the ways he helped.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this psalm shows that faith can include honest questions and strong emotions. The writers praise God for past rescues, then cry out in confusion when trouble seems to continue. Their hope rests on God’s covenant love, not on their own strength. Adults can learn that bringing raw feelings to God is part of trusting him.
Avoid suggesting to children that obeying God guarantees they will never face hardship or sadness. The psalm is honest that God’s people suffer. Instead, emphasize that God is with us in hard times and that he hears our prayers.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for remembering us and loving us. When we feel sad, scared, or forgotten, help us remember that you are with us. Help us tell you everything in our hearts, and help us trust you to help us. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
