Stop, Look, and Praise

We all know the power of a good mood, and for 8 to 10-year-olds, cultivating joy can still be a skill to develop. It’s about learning to intentionally shift our focus. The Psalms are packed with intentional, high-energy praise that models this practice perfectly.

If your child (or even you!) needs a spiritual pick-me-up, use these five joyful Psalms to help reset your focus.

Psalm 100: The Classic Invitation to Happiness

The Message: Shout with joy to the Lord! He made us, and we belong to Him. There is no end to His faithful love..

The Big Idea: This Psalm is a great reminder that praise isn't just quiet contemplation; it can be loud, fun, and collective.

Actionable Tip: Read this one dramatically! Have your child pick one word from the Psalm that makes them want to "shout with joy" and repeat it five times.

Psalm 118: When You Need To Remember a Win

The Message: Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever! I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done.

The Big Idea: This Psalm is a victory celebration. It's perfect for when your child has overcome a hurdle—a successful school project, winning a game, or getting over a fear.

Actionable Tip: Ask the reflection question, "What is one thing in this passage that makes me want to thank God?" and have them write down a small "win" from their day.

Psalm 34: When God Saves the Day

The Message: I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Taste and see that the Lord is good.

The Big Idea: This Psalm encourages children to remember God's faithfulness. When they are feeling joyful, it's the perfect time to recall how God helped them in the past.

Actionable Tip: Turn this into a Kids Bible Journal entry. Use the prompt: "What amazing quality of God do I see here?" (Answer: He is a deliverer!).

Psalm 149: Praise with Dancing

The Message: Let the people praise God in the dance! Let them sing to him a new song.

The Big Idea: This is one of the most energetic Psalms. It shows that joy should involve our whole body and our actions.

Actionable Tip: Put on some music and encourage your child to "praise God in the dance" for 60 seconds. A physical release of joy is a powerful memory-maker.

Psalm 150: The Grand Finale

The Message: Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the strings and pipe! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

The Big Idea: This Psalm is the perfect summary—praise is universal, creative, and involves every part of creation.

Ready to Build a Habit?

Joy isn't accidental; it's a discipline. The Simple Bible Journal helps your 8 to 10-year-olds build that discipline with ease. It's the ideal Kids Bible Journal that guides them to find moments of praise every day.

Click here to explore our Simple Bible Journals and start building a habit of joy today!