This lesson teaches children that it is good to thank God and to trust that He is faithful all day and all night. It suits children aged about 5 to 11 and takes 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the verses and a short activity.
Big Idea
God is good and faithful, so we can thank Him at every time of day, whether the day is happy or hard.
Memory Verse
Psalm 92:1
It is a good thing to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, Most High…
(WEB)
Teach the children to stand tall, put both hands on their hearts, then lift their arms slowly up toward the ceiling as they say the words together. Repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time.
The Story: Psalm 92 for Kids
A long time ago, a singer wrote a special song to God. He wanted everyone to know that it is a good thing to thank God. Some people sing in the morning, and some sing at night, and this singer thought both times were right for thanking God. He sang about God’s kindness and God’s faithfulness, which means God always keeps His promises.
The singer grabbed his harp and his lyre, which are kinds of instruments with strings. He played them loudly and happily. Music helped his heart feel glad, because he knew God had done wonderful things with his hands. Everything God makes is full of goodness and wisdom.
The singer also noticed that some bad people seemed to grow strong and tall, like grass in the spring. But he remembered that God is high above everything, and God would take care of the wicked people in the end. He said to God, in his own words, “You are always on high, and You will always be in charge.”
Then the singer looked at the people who love God. He compared them to a palm tree and a cedar tree, which stay green and strong. Those who belong to God are like trees planted in God’s own house. Even when they get old, they keep bearing fruit and staying fresh.
The singer ended by saying that God is upright, which means He always does what is right. God is his rock, a strong and steady place to stand. There is no wrong in God at all.
Read It Together
Psalm 92:2
To proclaim your loving kindness in the morning, and your faithfulness every night…
(WEB)
Point out the two times the singer names, morning and night. Ask the children what they do in the morning and at night, and help them see that God is with them at both times.
Psalm 92:12-13
12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree. He will grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 13 They are planted in the LORD’s house. They will flourish in our God’s courts.
(WEB)
Show the children the picture of the palm tree and the cedar. Explain that people who trust God are planted in His house, and they keep growing and bearing fruit like these trees do.
Psalm 92:15
To show that the LORD is upright. He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.
(WEB)
Point out the words “my rock.” Ask the children what a rock is good for, and explain that God is steady and safe for us to lean on.
Talk About It
- What is one thing you can thank God for this morning?
- What is one thing you could thank God for before you go to sleep tonight?
- How did the singer feel when he played music for God?
- What did the palm tree and the cedar remind the singer about people who love God?
- When something scary happens, how can God be like a rock for you?
Activity Ideas
Sunrise and Moonlight Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw two pictures on one sheet: a sun for the morning and a moon with stars for the night. Inside each picture, have them write or draw one thing they want to thank God for at that time of day.
Rock Stand Game
You will need an open space and one pillow or cushion to act as the rock. Let the children walk and wiggle around the room like tall grass blowing in the wind. When you call out “Rock!”, they run and stand firm behind the cushion, then stand very still and steady. Play several rounds and talk about how God keeps us steady.
Palm Tree Reminder Card
You will need a index card, a pencil, and crayons. Help each child trace their hand on the card, then draw a small palm tree or a tree trunk with leaves. Ask them to write “I thank God morning and night” on the card. Children can keep it on a bedside table or in a school bag as a reminder to pray each day.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 92 is a song of thanksgiving for God’s faithful character and His justice. The psalmist celebrates God’s work in creation and in the lives of His people, and he trusts that God will ultimately judge evil while the righteous flourish in His presence. The imagery of planting, growth and fruitfulness points to lasting life rooted in God.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the idea that wicked people always suffer right away in this life or that faithful people will never face hardship. Children may have friends or family who struggle, so keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and His good character rather than promising a particular outcome.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we thank You for being good and faithful. We thank You in the morning when the sun comes up, and we thank You at night when we go to sleep. Help us trust You like a strong rock, and help us grow tall and green like the trees planted in Your house. Amen.
