This lesson teaches children that God remembers His promises even when we feel scared or alone, and that we can remember what He has done in the past. It works well for children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
When we feel sad or worried, we can remember how God has always taken care of His people, and we can talk to Him about how we feel.
Memory Verse
Psalm 77:11
I will remember Yah’s deeds; for I will remember your wonders of old.
(WEB)
Cup your hands together like you are holding something precious, then slowly open them wide, as if you are remembering all the good things God has done. Do this each time you say the verse out loud.
The Story: Psalm 77 for Kids
A man named Asaph wrote this song to God. One night he was very troubled, and his hands stayed stretched out to God in prayer for a long time. He cried out to God for help, but his heart felt too heavy to be comforted.
Asaph started to think about the past. He remembered the songs he used to sing to God at night, and he remembered the long years of God’s care for His people. Then he began to ask hard questions in his heart. He wondered, “Will the Lord really leave us forever? Has God stopped being kind to us?”
Then Asaph decided to remember something important. He chose to think about the great things God had done long ago. He remembered how God led His people out of Egypt through the sea, and how He guided them like a shepherd guides a flock of sheep.
Asaph thought about the thunder, the lightning, and the waters that trembled when God came near. He realized that God’s ways are holy and that no other god is as great as the Lord. The story shows us that Asaph went from feeling worried to remembering who God is.
Read It Together
Psalm 77:1-2
1 My cry goes to God! Indeed, I cry to God for help, and for him to listen to me. 2 In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord. My hand was stretched out in the night, and didn’t get tired. My soul refused to be comforted.
(WEB)
Point out that Asaph was not afraid to tell God exactly how he felt. Ask the children what they might say to God when they feel sad or scared.
Psalm 77:13-14
13 Your way, God, is in the sanctuary. What god is great like God? 14 You are the God who does wonders. You have made your strength known among the peoples.
(WEB)
Show the children how Asaph praised God for being great and doing wonders. Ask them to name something wonderful they have seen God do in their lives or in the world.
Psalm 77:19-20
19 Your way was through the sea; your paths through the great waters. Your footsteps were not known. 20 You led your people like a flock, by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
(WEB)
Explain that God led His people through the sea even though no one could see His footsteps. Point out that God guides us even when we cannot see the path clearly ahead.
Talk About It
- What did Asaph do when he felt sad and could not sleep?
- What did Asaph remember about God that helped him feel better?
- What is something God has done in the past that you are thankful for?
- How can talking to God help when you feel worried or scared?
- Who are some people who help you remember that God loves you?
Activity Ideas
Remembering Blue Paper Waves
You will need blue construction paper, crayons or markers, and glue. Have each child draw a few wavy lines on the blue paper to look like the sea, then add a small stick figure walking across the middle. As they draw, ask them to name one thing God has done that they want to remember.
Shepherd and Sheep Game
Choose one child to be the shepherd and the others to be sheep. The shepherd gently leads the sheep around the room while the sheep follow closely. Pause the game now and then so the children can say one thing God has done to take care of them.
Take-Home Memory Jar
Give each child a small jar or cup and some strips of paper. Ask them to write or draw one thing God did for them this week and place it in the jar. At dinner or bedtime, the family can take out the papers together and thank God for each one.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 77 shows that honest prayer can include real pain and hard questions. The psalmist moves from doubt to remembrance, and this turn gives believers a way to face difficulty while holding on to God’s faithfulness.
When teaching children, avoid promising that God will always remove every fear or sadness right away. Instead, emphasize that God is present with us and that we can talk to Him honestly, even when feelings are hard.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for listening to us when we feel sad or scared. Help us to remember all the good things You have done, and help us trust that You are always with us. We love You and we thank You. Amen.
