The Psalmists didn't hide their sad feelings...

​As a parent, you know the feeling: your child, especially those thoughtful 8 to 10-year-olds, comes home with big feelings they don't know how to name.

​It's in these moments that pointing them to the Bible can be a powerful tool to build their relationship with God. And no book speaks to our full range of human emotions better than the Psalms.

​The psalmists didn't hide their worries; they wrestled with them honestly and brought them straight to God. This simple, honest approach is exactly what inspired our Simple Bible Journal series.

​If your child is having a tough day, grab your Bible and read one of these five powerful Psalms with them.

​Psalm 23: When They Need Comfort and Rest

​The Message: God is our Shepherd. He takes care of us, leads us to peace, and stays right beside us, even when we are scared.

​The Big Idea: This Psalm is the ultimate comfort blanket. It reassures your child that their needs are met, and they are never alone.

​Actionable Tip: Read the final verses, focusing on the idea that goodness and mercy follow them "all the days of [their] life." It’s a powerful truth to repeat at bedtime.

​Psalm 46: When the World Feels Shaky

The Message: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Even if the mountains crumble, God is stable.

The Big Idea: This Psalm is perfect for addressing anxiety about external events—school changes, storms, or bad news in general. It shows that God is the one reliable rock when everything else feels uncertain.

Actionable Tip: Have your child draw a picture of a mighty, immovable mountain, then draw God as the rock beneath it. This makes the concept of refuge a tangible activity.

​Psalm 55: When They Feel Betrayed or Alone

The Message: This is a Psalm of honest complaint. The writer is desperate for God to hear his cries. It’s okay to be honest about how much pain we are in.

​The Big Idea: This empowers your 8 to 10-year-old to be completely honest with God. It validates their feelings—whether they're angry, sad, or feel like no one understands.

​Actionable Tip: After reading, ask them: "What is the one thing you need God to hear right now?" Then help them write a one-sentence prayer about it.

​Psalm 139: When They Doubt Their Value

The Message: God created us perfectly, knows everything about us, and is always with us. There is nowhere we can go to hide from His love.

​The Big Idea: This Psalm is essential for building identity and self-worth. It combats feelings of insecurity by reminding them they are "fearfully and wonderfully made."

​Actionable Tip: Read the verses about God knowing their thoughts "a long way off." It's a beautiful way to show that God is attentive to their inner world.

​Psalm 147: When They Need a Reminder of God's Power

The Message: God knows the stars by name, but He also cares for the brokenhearted.

The Big Idea: This Psalm ties God's grand, cosmic power (naming the stars) to His gentle, personal care (healing the brokenhearted). It shows a strong God who is also very kind and gentle.

Actionable Tip: Use this Psalm to transition into gratitude. Ask: "What is one big thing God created, and what is one tiny thing He did just for you today?"

​Ready for More than Just Five Psalms?

​These powerful Psalms are just the beginning.

​If your child is ready to start a consistent, positive habit of diving into scripture for comfort and courage, the Simple Bible Journal: Psalms (Book 1) is the perfect tool. This Kids Bible Journal guides them through every chapter in the book of Psalms, providing space to read, reflect, and apply the word of God.

​It’s the ideal activity for kids to turn big feelings into genuine faith.

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