Develop a Daily devotional time with children using verses from psalms
In part 1 of How to Help Children Develop a Daily Devotional Time, I suggested reading through the book of Proverbs each month. This practice develops both routine and acquires wisdom through this amazing book of the Bible. Today, I would like to discuss how to develop a daily devotional time with children using verses from the book of Psalms.
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A lesson and a blessing
The book of Proverbs provides the lesson. The book of Psalms provides the blessing. The Psalms was one of the first books I read through after I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior. I came to the Lord with a lot of baggage. The book of Psalms helped me unpack that baggage, leave it at the cross, and pack my life with promises from Psalms.
As I teach my own children, Psalms has given them the promise of safety, love, and forgiveness. The blessings through the Book of Psalms are immeasurable. Finding meaningful verses that children can relate to is one of the keys to developing a love of the Word of God in children.
Develop a daily devotional time using Psalms
Memory work will help develop a daily devotional time with children using verses from the book of Psalms. I chose some verses for children from the book of Psalms to memorize. There is a short explanation for each verse about why I chose it.
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Pro Tip:
I learned this tip for memorizing scripture from the book God is More than Enough by Jim Berg. Write each verse on a 3×5 index card. On the back of each verse card, write the first letter of every word of the verse in order. It will trigger your memory for the next word. For example, for this verse:
But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
Psalm 13:5(KJV)
The memory trigger on the back of the card would look like this:
B I h t i t m; m h s r i t s.
A verse for fearful children
Being a child in the culture we live in today can be scary. Just read the newspaper, turn on the T.V., or look at the current events on the internet and you know that our world is in trouble. This can be especially scary for children. I urge you to protect your children from current events based on their age, but they will see and hear some of the crime and destruction of the world. Whether it be a crime or just severe weather, they are going to eventually see something scary.
I have one child who was petrified of severe weather. Understandably so, because we had, what we think was a tornadic storm a few years ago that did damage on our farm: downed trees, overturned chicken coop, torn roof off our shed, and even some dead ducklings. It was scary and it affected my sensitive child. He would have a complete meltdown whenever it would even threaten rain. There was nothing I could do to console him.
I taught him to memorize this verse. Every time there would be a storm, we would recite the verse and pray for God’s protection. Over time, he was able to endure the storms without even crying. I highly recommend this verse for whatever your child is fearful of. It is short and to the point. Easy to memorize for even a small child.
What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
Psalm 56:3 (KJV)
A verse for Children who are scared at night
To go along with Psalm 56:3, I had another child who was fearful of going to bed. In fact, this particular child had gotten into the habit of sleeping with my husband and I. I knew it needed to stop! However, the child was very scared to sleep alone. Through many nights of praying and learning this verse and maybe even a little bribery, incentive, the child finally slept in their own bed.
I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8 (KJV)
verses when a child feels like a failure
Growing up is hard. Children are learning how to navigate life. Things take time to learn and with learning comes failure. Teaching children that God loves us no matter what and no matter how often we fail is so important. The Lord wants to help each one of us to learn His way and He is there to catch us when we fall.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Psalm 37:23-24 (KJV)
A Verse about God’s Word
If you have ever studied Psalm 119, you know that it is a Psalm all about the Word of God. Teaching children to search God’s word for every challenge they are faced with will help them value the Lord and His everpresent help.
This memory verse is about memorizing God’s word. Help your child understand why we memorize His word with
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Psalm 119:11 (KJV)
A Verse for a troubled child
Children will face trials throughout their life. Here is a wonderful verse to commit to memory that will benefit a child their entire life.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1 (KJV)
A verse for learning Not to be offended
We live in a culture of offense. Everyone seems to be offended by something. Even in Christian homes, we can become offended. . . especially among siblings. Here is a promise from the Bible about learning not to be offended.
Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
Psalm 119:165 (KJV)
A verse to Praise the LORD
We can always find a reason to praise the Lord and here is a simple verse to teach a child to praise Him as King David did.
I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvelous works.
Psalm 9:1 (KJV)
A verse to find the blessing each day
Sometimes we are prone to grumble and complain especially when the weather is too hot, too cold, rainy, windy, you name it. It comes naturally to complain. Commit this verse to memory with your children to always find a reason to rejoice and be glad in each day.
This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24
A Lesson and a Blessing
In part 1 of this devotion series, we learned about learning lessons through the book of Proverbs while creating a devotional routine and acquiring wisdom. Here in part two, we learned how to add a blessing by reading through the book of Psalms and committing verses to memory. I also provided some of my favorite verses for children from the book of Psalms. In the next installment, we will add prayer to your child’s devotional time.
What is your favorite verse in the book of Psalms? My favorite verses are
I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
Psalm 40: 1-3
These verses were some of the first verses I read after the LORD graciously saved me several years ago, but that is another story for another day. I would love to hear your favorite verses in the book of Psalms. Please share your favorite verse in the comments below.
Don’t forget to read the first part of this series.
Read the next post in this series here. Part 3.
Psalm 32