In this lesson, children learn that God is our strength and that He wants His people to listen to Him and trust Him. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God takes care of His people, so we should listen to Him and love Him alone. When we listen, we walk in His good ways.
Memory Verse
Psalm 81:1
Sing aloud to God, our strength! Make a joyful shout to the God of Jacob!
(WEB)
Have the children stand up and clap their hands together on the word “sing.” Then raise both arms high on “joyful shout.” Repeat the motion together three times so the children remember that God is their strength.
The Story: Psalm 81 for Kids
Long ago, God’s people sang songs to celebrate Him. They played tambourines, harps, and trumpets. These happy songs were part of their special feast days, and they gave thanks to God for setting them free from hard work in Egypt.
God remembered how He lifted heavy burdens off their shoulders. He heard them cry out when they were in trouble, and He answered them. Even in hard times, God was near to help His people. He said, “I was with you when you were in trouble, and I answered you.”
Then God spoke to His people with a loving request. He said, “Hear me, my people. Do not worship any other gods. I am the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt.” God wanted them to trust Him and to keep Him first in their hearts.
But the people did not listen. They wanted to follow their own plans instead of God’s ways. God was sad about this, because He loved them and wanted them to walk in His paths. He longed for them to listen to His voice.
Even so, God promised good things for those who would follow Him. He said He would feed them with the best food and satisfy them. God’s goodness is always greater than what we can imagine, and He keeps His promises to those who trust Him.
Read It Together
Psalm 81:10
I am the LORD, your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.
(WEB)
Point out that God is the one who brought His people out of Egypt. Ask the children to name something God has done for them, such as giving them food, family, or a home.
Psalm 81:13
Oh that my people would listen to me, that Israel would walk in my ways!
(WEB)
Show the children that God wants His people to listen to Him. Explain that listening means paying attention and doing what God says, the way a child listens to a loving parent.
Psalm 81:16
But he would have also fed them with the finest of the wheat. I will satisfy you with honey out of the rock.”
(WEB)
Point out that God promises to satisfy His people with good things. Help the children see that God takes care of us and gives us what we truly need.
Talk About It
- What are some happy ways we can sing and celebrate God?
- Can you remember a time when God helped you when you felt scared or worried?
- Why do you think God wants us to listen to Him?
- What are some things that might tempt us to stop listening to God?
- How can we show God that we trust Him and love Him more than anything else?
Activity Ideas
Make a Thankful Tambourine
You will need a paper plate, crayons, a few dried beans, and tape. Let each child decorate the plate with pictures of things God gives them. Place a few beans between two plates, tape them shut, and let the children shake their tambourines while they sing a short thank-you song to God.
Follow the Leader Listening Game
Choose one child to be the leader and give simple movement commands like “hop” or “clap.” The rest of the children must listen carefully and do only what the leader says. Afterward, talk about how listening carefully helps us follow the right path, just as God wants us to listen to Him.
Take-Home Promise Card
Give each child an index card and a marker. Ask them to write or draw one way they will listen to God this week. Encourage them to keep the card where they will see it each day, such as on a bedroom mirror or in a school bag, as a reminder that God takes care of them.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this psalm reminds us that God delivers His people and calls them to a faithful, undivided devotion. It also shows that God’s patience and steadfast love remain even when people turn away, and that He longs to give good gifts to those who walk in His ways.
With children, avoid suggesting that God’s blessings are a reward for good behavior or that hardship always means they have disobeyed. Keep the focus on God’s faithful love and His invitation to listen and trust Him.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for being our strength and for taking care of us. Help us to listen to Your voice and to trust You with our whole hearts. Teach us to love You more than anything else, and help us walk in Your good ways every day. Amen.
