This lesson teaches children that the LORD is King over the whole world, and that he is good and fair. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including a short activity. Use the story, the memory verse, and the activity to help children picture God as the strong, loving King who is always in charge.
Big Idea
God is the King of everything, and he always does what is right and fair. We can be glad because God is in charge.
Memory Verse
Psalm 97:1
The LORD reigns! Let the earth rejoice! Let the multitude of islands be glad!
(WEB)
Hold both arms up high like a crown on your head, then slowly sweep them out wide like the whole world. Say “The LORD reigns!” together while you move, and let the children cheer when you finish.
The Story: Psalm 97 for Kids
Long ago, a songwriter sat down to sing about God. He wanted everyone to know that God is not like the kings of the world who make mistakes. God is the King who rules over all the earth, even over the faraway islands by the sea. The songwriter told the people, “Be glad! Let the whole earth rejoice!”
The songwriter also said that God’s throne stands on two strong stones, called righteousness and justice. That means God always does what is right, and he always treats people fairly. When God comes near, there are clouds and darkness around him, but the people are not scared, because they know his heart is good.
Some people in that time loved to make statues of gold and wood and worship them as gods. The songwriter said that those statues cannot save anyone or help anyone. He said that people who trust in them will feel ashamed, but God is far above every false god. He said, “Worship him, all you gods!” to show that the LORD is greater than all of them.
The people of Zion, the city of God, heard about how God judges with fairness, and they were glad. The daughters of Judah danced and rejoiced. They knew that because God is good, they could trust him to make things right.
The songwriter also reminded everyone that God takes care of the people who love him. He said, “Hate evil and love what is good,” because God protects those who follow him. Light and gladness are coming for those who do what is right, so the songwriter ended the song by telling everyone, “Be glad in the LORD, and give thanks to his holy name!”
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 righteousness and justice. Ask the children what it means for something to be a foundation, and help them see that God’s rule is steady and fair.
Psalm 97:5-6
5 The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. 6 The heavens declare his righteousness. All the peoples have seen his glory.
(WEB)
Show children how the mountains melt like wax to show how powerful God is. Then point out that the heavens tell about his goodness, so we can see God’s greatness in the sky and the world around us.
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)
Explain that loving God means hating what is evil and staying close to what is good. Point out that God protects his people and rescues them from those who do wrong.
Talk About It
- What do you think it means that the LORD is the King of the whole earth?
- How does it make you feel to know that God always does what is right and fair?
- What are some things in God’s world that show us how great he is?
- Why do you think the songwriter wanted everyone to be glad about God?
- What is one way you can show God that you love what is good this week?
Activity Ideas
Crown Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child draw a large crown and decorate it with bright colors and simple pictures of things God made, like the sun, a tree, or a fish. Cut out the crowns and let the children wear them while you read Psalm 97:1 together. Explain that the crown is a reminder that the LORD reigns over everything.
Follow the King
Choose one child to be the King and everyone else to be the people. The King calls out a simple action, like “Clap for the King” or “Stomp like the mountains,” and the people follow. Then the King calls out “Hate evil, love good!” and the people give a thumbs up or thumbs down to show what they choose. Talk about how God helps us choose what is good.
Light in the Home
You will need a small flashlight and a card with the words “The LORD reigns!” written on it. Send each child home with the card and encourage them to turn on a light in their home each night while they say, “The LORD reigns, and I am glad!” This reminds them that light is sown for the righteous and that God is always with them, even in the dark.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 97 celebrates the kingship of the LORD over all nations and all gods. It teaches that God’s rule rests on righteousness and justice, that he defends his faithful people, and that his glory is seen in creation. Its joy grows from confidence that God is in control and worthy of worship, even when the world seems unsettled.
Avoid overstating to children that God will always protect them from every hard thing that happens. The psalm speaks of God delivering his people from the wicked, but children may connect it to physical danger in ways that cause fear. Focus instead on God’s goodness, his fairness, and his faithfulness to those who love him.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, we are glad that you are our King. You are strong, and you always do what is right and fair. Help us love what is good and hate what is wrong, and help us be glad in you every day. Thank you for taking care of us. Amen.
