Psalm 46 is one of the most comforting and encouraging passages we have in scripture. It is a reminder that God is a strong fortress and source of strength, no matter what we might face in life. This psalm also bids us still the mayhem and madness in our souls and focus on resting in God’s providence. It can be difficult for young students to be still! Children may not have the busy elements of our anxieties and schedules, but they are very much on the go. This message emphasizes how important it is to quiet distractions and focus on the Lord. Only when we pause can we truly rest in Him and listen for His voice in our lives.
- Don’t miss our complete Psalm 46 Sunday School lesson for kids church.
- See the related Bible crafts on Ministry To Children
Law/Gospel Theme: We know that God is our refuge and strength, and yet we still sometimes try to take control of our own lives. We still forget that He wants to bear our burdens and guide in our needs. Sometimes when we see passages that emphasize God’s power and might, it can seem like he is so huge as to almost be above us. It’s important to also recognize that while He is omnipotent, He also knows us personally and loves us deeply, so much so that He sacrificed His Son for our sake. We need not fear for He is near!
Object Lesson Props & Materials:
- Noise makers
- distracting items
Bible Passage: Psalm 46:1-11
Message: Note: As with most messages, the details of how you choose to communicate this are adaptable and should cater to timing as well as to your audience and student needs.
Children’s Sermon and Bible Object Lesson for Kids Church
Greet children and invite them to try some challenges—with distractions…
Hello, Children of God!
I want to invite you to try some fun challenges with me. Are you up for that? Let’s give it a go! First, I want you to say the alphabet for me. Wait, that’s a little too easy. Can you say the alphabet backwards? Go ahead… (While children are trying to think of the backwards alphabet, present a noisy distraction, such as a recorded song of loud cymbals crash, etc.) Hmm, that seems a bit difficult for you for some reason! Okay, well, let’s try another. I want you to march in place, right where you are. Okay, keep marching…and while you’re marching, I want you to write down the words to the Pledge of Allegiance! Go ahead, keep marching while you do (hand students paper and pen or pencil). Is that difficult? Let’s try one more challenge. This time, I want you to do some jumping jacks! Can you do some jumping jacks for me? Ready, go! Now, don’t stop jumping, but see if you can catch these balls while you’re still jumping. Begin tossing light balls towards children. You aren’t catching them very well… what’s wrong?
Now, what was tough about those things? That’s right, it’s hard to focus on a lot of things at once, isn’t it? When you had noise or distractions or extra things in the way, it made it difficult to concentrate on the tasks I gave you. And it’s nearly impossible to be moving and doing another motion at the same time. Do we ever do this in life? I mean, there are a few things we might be able to manage “multi-tasking”, but it only works for so long. Usually the more we try to juggle, the less successful we are. And this can even apply to how we treat God. When we are too busy, we sort of tune Him out, and it’s hard to pray or read God’s Word or remember that He should be first and foremost in our lives. If we’re always moving and working and doing things, we can neglect Him or forget to take time for prayer.
In the book of Psalms, there’s a beautiful passage that reminds us of how importance it is to be still. The chapter tells us that God is our refuge and strength, and a help in times of trouble. That means God wants us to turn to HIM for strength, and promises to give us comfort and peace. Being still is a way to allow God to be in charge. We often want to do everything that comes our way, but God wants us to rest in Him. He wants us to just sit in His presence. If you stop doing jumping jacks or marching, it makes it a lot easier to focus on other tasks. If we stop and allow God to rule in our lives, it can give Him opportunity to work for us, for our benefit and blessings. How do we do that? Slow down sometimes! Take moments to just listen, as tough as it is to quiet your mind. Let God take over. And remember that He is our source of strength. If God can move and then quiet storms and waves, surely He can still our minds and let us trust in Him!
Let’s say a prayer now to thank God for being a refuge, hope, and peace.
Children’s Prayer:
(Have kids repeat each line)
Dear God,
Thank you for being our refuge and strength
Help us to always trust in you
And help us to be still and rest in your peace
Thank you for your love
We love you, God!
In Jesus name, Amen!
Bible Verses/story to Reference:
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. -Psalm 46:1-11