For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
Psalm 38 is an honest song King David sang when he had done something wrong and felt very heavy and sad inside.
Today's Story
Have you ever done something you knew was wrong, and afterward your whole tummy felt heavy and yucky? Like you were carrying a backpack full of heavy rocks you could not put down? That is just how King David felt when he wrote this song.
David had made a bad choice. And now he felt awful about it - heavy and tired and sad, all the way down inside. He even says some of his friends backed away and left him alone. It was a very low, lonely day.
Now, when we feel that way, sometimes we want to hide. We want to run away - away from everyone, even away from God. But David did the opposite. David ran straight toward God.
He told God the whole truth. He did not pretend he had been perfect. He said, “God, I am sorry. I did wrong, and I feel terrible about it.” And then - this is the brave part - he kept on trusting God to help him. “Lord, I am waiting for You,” he prayed. “I know You will answer.”
David was sure of something wonderful, even on his worst day: God was not going to leave him. So he prayed, “Lord, do not leave me. Come quickly and help me.” When we say sorry and turn to God, He never turns away.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- Have you ever done something wrong and felt heavy or yucky inside afterward? What helped you feel better?
- When David felt bad, he ran toward God instead of hiding. Why do you think it helps to tell God the truth instead of hiding?
- David was sure God would not leave him, even on his worst day. How does it feel to know God stays close to you no matter what?