In our materialistic, self-centered culture, we often struggle to curb our own desires. But it becomes even harder when we have kids (or grandkids, nieces, and nephews) to help them to value the needs of others—especially the desperate needs of the extreme poor.
So, we wanted to give you this short 3-day study on Psalm 82:3-4 to use with the kids in your life to teach them how God wants us to respond to the poor.
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Imagine that you and your family didn’t have enough food to eat. That would be a very hard way to live. But then imagine that when you went to school or to the playground, a group of bullies made fun of you because you were poor. How would that make you feel?
Sure, you may not be poor, so you probably won’t have to deal with this. But many kids and adults do! It’s hard to understand, but there are people who want to be mean to others because they are poor, or because they are different. But as Christians, we should never do that! We should treat all people like Jesus did—with love and kindness.
DAY 1 ~ READ
First, read Psalm 82:3-4 three or four times slowly. Then, answer the questions below in your journal or on a piece of paper.
Psalm 82:3–4 ~ “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
- When I think about bullies mistreating people because they are poor, how do you feel?
- How do you think God feels when people are mean to the poor? (If you need help, read Psalm 37:14-15 or Proverbs 22:22-23.)
- What do these verses tell you about God is?
- Finally, why do you think God cares so much about the poor?
DAY 2 ~ PRAY
Prayer is the most important thing we can do for the poor who are being mistreated! Remember, when you pray, your loving, heavenly Father will answer your prayers.
So, we would love to share a story about how God stands up for poor kids in Zambia.
Children born in very poor families often don’t have enough nutritious food with the vitamins and minerals they need to grow up healthy. As a result, many of these very poor kids are born with physical problems that make them look different than other kids. And some mean people make fun of these children because they look or act differently.
Obed lives in a small village in Zambia. Obed was born with club feet (feet that are bent sideways at the ankle). Because of his feet, Obed couldn’t go to school, run and play with his friends, or help his family with chores.
On top of that, other kids made fun of Obed because he looked different.
Thankfully, because of many generous people, Obed was able to have surgery to fix his feet. Now, he can go to school like other kids his age and run and play with his friends. And I bet that Obed will stand up for other kids who are treated badly by bullies!
Now, it’s your turn! Would you pray for the many kids in Zambia and around the world who are born with club feet or other physical problems?
Take some time to write a prayer asking God to give you guidance and wisdom on how you can help kids like Obed. Share your prayer with your parents, siblings, or a friend and ask them to pray with you!
DAY 3 ~ TAKE ACTION
In conclusion, now that you have read, prayed, and thought about Psalm 82: 3-4, it is time to do something to help the poor!
So, grab a parent, sibling, or a friend and think of three ways you can put these verses into action. Write down your ideas in your journal or on a piece of paper.
Truly, you have an important part to play in God’s work among the extreme poor! Even a simple prayer can change a life. Remember, if you need any help thinking of things to pray about, you can check out our Prayer Wall!
