This lesson teaches children that the LORD reigns over the whole earth, and that He is good, right, and worthy to be happy about. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the reading, and the activity.
Big Idea
God is the King of everything, and because He is good and fair, we can be glad and thank Him.
Memory Verse
Psalm 97:1
The LORD reigns! Let the earth rejoice! Let the multitude of islands be glad!
(WEB)
Stand up tall with your arms raised like a king’s crown. Then slowly sweep your arms out wide, as if you are showing all the world. Say the words together three times, getting a little louder each time.
The Story: Psalm 97 for Kids
Long ago, a writer sat down to sing a song to God. He looked up at the sky and saw dark clouds rolling in over the hills. The clouds were big and gray, and they hid the sun for a while. But the writer knew something important, and he wanted everyone to know it too.
He sang out, “The LORD reigns!” That means God is the King. He is in charge of the whole earth, even the far-away islands across the sea. So the writer told the earth to be happy and the islands to be glad. Everything God made should rejoice because God is King.
Next, the writer talked about God’s throne. A throne is a special chair for a king. God’s throne is built on right and fair choices. God always does what is good and fair, and that is what holds His kingdom up. Even when things look dark, God’s throne stands strong.
The writer said that God’s power is so great that when lightning flashes, the whole world can see it, and the mountains melt like wax near a warm fire. Some people in the story had worshiped statues made of wood and metal, and they were proud of their fake gods. The writer said that those people would feel ashamed, because only the LORD is truly God. The people of Zion heard this and were glad, because God always judges fairly.
At the end of the song, the writer said something kind to the children of God. He said that God loves people who love Him, and He takes care of them and rescues them from bad people. Light and joy are planted for good people, like seeds that will grow. So the writer called out, “Be glad in the LORD, you good people! Thank Him for who He is!”
Read It Together
Psalm 97:2
Clouds and darkness are around him. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
(WEB)
Point out that God’s throne is built on right and fair choices. Ask the children how they feel when someone is fair to them, and connect that to the kind of King God is.
Psalm 97:4
His lightning lights up the world. The earth sees, and trembles.
(WEB)
Show the children how lightning lights up the whole sky. Explain that God’s power is so bright and strong that it reaches everywhere, and that the whole earth sees Him as King.
Psalm 97:10
You who love the LORD, hate evil. He preserves the souls of his saints. He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.
(WEB)
Talk about how loving God means turning away from what is wrong. Point out that God keeps His people safe and rescues them, which is a good reason to trust Him.
Talk About It
- What did the writer want all the islands and the earth to do, and why?
- How can you tell that God is a fair and good King?
- What can you do this week to show that you love God?
- Why do you think God is greater than any statue or idol people make?
- What is one thing God has done for you that makes you want to be glad and say thank you?
Activity Ideas
Crown and Throne Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and tape. Have each child draw a large crown and a throne on the paper, then write or draw one thing that shows God is King. Tape the finished picture to the wall or fridge so the whole family can see it during the week.
Lightning and Mountains Game
Clear some space in the room and have the children stand as “mountains.” Call out “lightning!” and have them stretch tall, then “melt” slowly down to the floor like wax. Repeat the game a few times, then finish by having everyone stand tall and shout, “The LORD reigns!”
Light Seed Jar
You will need a clear jar, cotton balls, a small flashlight, and a few dry beans. Let each child put a bean in the jar, then shine the flashlight through it and talk about how God plants light and joy for good people. Take the jar home and place it on a windowsill as a reminder to be glad in the LORD.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 97 is a song that declares God’s kingship over all creation, including the nations and the spiritual powers people sometimes trust in place of Him. It shows that God’s throne rests on righteousness and justice, and that His people respond to Him with love, hatred of evil, and thanksgiving. The psalm invites steady, joyful trust even when the world seems dark or unstable.
With children, avoid overstating how God’s judgment works or suggesting that children should fear God in a frightening way. Keep the focus on God being a good, fair, and loving King who keeps His people safe.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, we know that You reign over the whole earth. Thank You that You are good and fair, and that You keep us safe. Help us to love You, to do what is right, and to be glad in You every day. Amen.
