I still remember the first chapter of Psalms that I worked hard to memorize. It remains one of my favorite chapters to this day, and my kids (now grown) still remember me teaching it to them.
For me, the book of Psalms is a go-to place for encouragement in the promises of God. Most of the Psalms are lyrical, heartfelt, and relatable to our own lives. They offer insight into God’s character and encouragement for our daily struggles. Your kids will no-doubt relate to the emotional highs and lows that the psalmists express, their words cutting across time and place and meeting each of us in the ups and downs of life. The psalms tell us that no matter what we are going through, God is there. His steadfast love, his enduring strength, his tender care are with us and for us each day.
What better words of comfort and truth could we give our kids? Commit to regularly reading the Psalms with your children and see what good fruit God will bring forth.
Not sure where to start? Here are 10 Psalms you should regularly read to your kids:
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1. Psalm 1
Out of all six verses of this Psalm, verse three stands out most to me.
“He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.”
As parents, we want our kids to be prosperous in all that they do. Without God, this is not possible. It is through delighting in the Word of God and meditating on it, that we draw close to the Lord and have the wisdom to walk in His ways.
What a beautiful truth to teach our children as we read Psalm 1 to them and encourage them to walk in the ways of the Lord!
2. Psalm 3
Especially for kids who tend to be afraid, Psalm 3 is a comforting reminder that God is their Shield and Protector.
“But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.
I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.”
As we regularly read Psalm 3 to our kids, we are consistently reminding them that God is with them. They need not be afraid, for the Lord is guarding them as they sleep and covering them as they wake.
Image Credit: ©Bethany Pyle
3. Psalm 13
This Psalm—a lament of King David—starts out with several questions about God’s faithfulness. This is important to share with our kids, to let them know it’s OK to ask questions. Then, as you read to the end of the Psalm, the answers become clear:
“But I have trusted in Your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me.”
Psalm 13 is an honest, thought-provoking Psalm that can open up discussions with our kids about the faithfulness and unwavering love of the Father.
4. Psalm 8
This praise-giving Psalm reminds our children that they have been created to give praise to God. He is worthy of our worship.
“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! You have set Your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babies and infants, You have established strength because of Your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger.”
Sharing Psalm 8 with our kids, and leading them by example to offer praise to God, is a wonderful way to instill in them a heart for worship and thanks to the God who made them.
5. Psalm 15
This Psalm addresses the ways in which we can walk with God and not in the ways of the world. It also addresses friendship and the way we treat others.
“He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend; in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the Lord; who swears to his own hurt and does not change; who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.”
As our children face many cultural challenges, they can be encouraged by Psalm 15 to walk blamelessly and speak the truth in all of their relationships.
6. Psalm 19
There are many confirmations of the power of God’s Word in Psalm 19. It would be a wonderful Psalm to read and memorize as a family.
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
With the voices of the world vying for our kids’ attention these days, it’s crucial that we instill in them an ear for God’s voice above the rest. Let’s share Psalm 19 often, as a reminder of God’s sovereignty over all.
Image Credit: ©Bethany Pyle
7. Psalm 23
This classic Psalm will never lose its beauty and encouragement. Our kids can only benefit from being exposed to it and hearing it often.
The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
Take a look at Psalm 23 with new eyes, and read it aloud to your children. Its familiarity can become a joy and comfort to our kids, reminding them of the Good Shepherd.
8. Psalm 34
As parents, we want our kids to know God as their good Father. Psalm 34 assures us of this very thing.
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good;
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints!
There is no want to those who fear Him.
The young lions lack and suffer hunger;
But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.
Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
As we read about the goodness of God, and what it means to fear Him with honor and respect, we are teaching our kids to put their trust in Him—their good, good Father.
Image Credit: ©Bethany Pyle
9. Psalm 42
Encouraging our kids often is so important, as life gets them down, and they feel discouraged. Reading Psalm 42 can be just what they need to be filled with hope and joy.
As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So pants my soul for You, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?
My tears have been my food day and night,
While they continually say to me,
“Where is your God?” (vs.1-3)
Why are you cast down, O my soul?
And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him
For the help of His countenance. (vs. 5)
As our children relate to the Psalmist’s tears, they will also be comforted by the central message, “Hope in God for He is your help.”
10. Psalm 46
This Psalm is a powerful reminder that no matter what goes on in the world, God is our refuge and strength. Our children can rest assured that they are in God’s hands and they need not fear.
God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. (vs. 1-2)
As we continue to share the Psalms with our children, we will leave lasting impression on their hearts. And one day, hopefully when they need it most, they will be reminded of these beautiful truths to lead and guide them.
Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!
The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge. (Psalm 46:10-11)
Jennifer Waddle considers herself a Kansas girl, married to a Colorado hunk, with a heart to encourage women everywhere. She is the author of several books, including Prayer WORRIER: Turning Every Worry into Powerful Prayer, and is a regular contributor for LifeWay, Crosswalk, Abide, and Christians Care International. Jennifer’s online ministry is EncouragementMama.com where you can find her books and sign up for her weekly post, Discouragement Doesn’t Win. She resides with her family near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains—her favorite place on earth.
Image Credit: ©Rachel Dawson
Originally published Thursday, 16 January 2020.
