Kids Need the Unshakable Truth of God’s Word in Their Hearts

Series Title: What Our Kids Need More Than New Shoes

Lesson 1: Kids need a Christ-centered example to follow more than they need stuff to show off.

Lesson 2: Kids need the unshakable truth of God’s Word in their hearts more than they need the shifting trends of the world.

Lesson 3: Kids need a God-glorifying mission to live for more than they need the safe, small life our culture sells them.

Lesson 2 – Kids Need the Unshakable Truth of God’s Word in Their Hearts

Text: Psalm 78:12–39

Intro – Chasing Trends vs. Building on Truth

Opening with cultural contrast: Every generation has chased something —

Ancient world: golden calves, fertility idols, emperors.

Middle Ages: relics, pilgrimages, indulgences.

The 70s had disco, bell bottoms, and pet rocks.

The 80s had mullets, cassette tapes, and shoulder pads.

The 90s had Beanie Babies, Tamagotchis, and boy bands.

The 2000s had MySpace glitter pages, frosted tips, and AOL Instant Messenger.

The 2010s had fidget spinners, Vine, and the Harlem Shake.

Today? TikTok dances, influencers selling “life hacks,” and kids camping out overnight for Jordans or the new iPhone.

Observation: Trends come and go. The hot thing today is embarrassing tomorrow. Nobody’s bragging now about MySpace pages, mullets, or beepers.

Thesis: But God’s Word? It has never faded, never failed, never gone out of style. What kids need is not the shifting trends of culture, but the unshakable truth of Scripture planted in their hearts.

Transition: Psalm 78 shows us how Israel kept chasing fads and ignoring God’s Word — and how disastrous it was. Deuteronomy 6 tells us God’s Word must be the anchor in the home and heart.

Here’s the truth: every one of those “big deals” is now a punchline. Trends rise and fall, but truth never goes out of style.

Context of Psalm 78

Psalm 78 is one of the longest psalms (72 verses).

It’s written as a historical teaching psalm — a sermon in song.

The writer rehearses Israel’s history: the Exodus, wilderness wanderings, provision of manna and quail, their repeated rebellion, God’s judgment, and His repeated mercy.

The purpose? To remind future generations not to repeat the failures of the past.

This psalm pairs perfectly with the Shema (Deut. 6:4–9) — Israel’s daily confession that God is one, His Word must be in their hearts, and parents must teach His truth to their children in daily life.

Main Points

God’s works aren’t rumors — they’re receipts (vv. 12–16)

God’s Word is stronger than every craving (vv. 17–31)

Man’s words are empty, but God’s Word is eternal (vv. 32–39)

1. God’s works aren’t rumors, they are receipts.

Psalm 78:12–16 (KJV)

12 Marvellous things did he in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.

13 He divided the sea, and caused them to pass through; and he made the waters to stand as an heap.

14 In the daytime also he led them with a cloud, and all the night with a light of fire.

15 He clave the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink as out of the great depths.

16 He brought streams also out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers.

The psalmist starts with a history lesson. God’s mighty acts weren’t whispers, theories, or myths. They were receipts — undeniable proof His people saw firsthand.

A. They saw it with their own eyes (v. 12)

“Marvellous things did he… in the sight of their fathers.”

They walked through the Red Sea.

They watched Pharaoh’s army drown.

They tasted manna.

Truth wasn’t a theory; it was tangible.

God teaches through the eye as much as the ear — He gave visible, undeniable lessons.

Deut. 6:6–7 — Parents were told to make God’s Word visible in daily life: at home, on the road, at bedtime, at sunrise. Deuteronomy 6:6–7 “6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”

Application: Our kids shouldn’t just hear about God’s truth—they should see it lived out daily in our homes.

B. They saw His work in their world (vv. 13, 15)

At the Red Sea (Exodus 14)

Waters piled high, Israel walked through on dry ground.

Pharaoh’s army swept away and destroyed.

God turned their greatest fear into their greatest proof of His power.

In the Wilderness (Exodus 17; Numbers 20)

Rivers gushed from solid rock.

Where there was no human solution, God made supernatural provision.

God’s Word commands nature — seas and stones obey His voice.

In Their Homes (Deuteronomy 6:8)

“And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.”

Just as the Red Sea was unforgettable, God’s Word was to remain constantly before their eyes.

Truth was not just to be remembered at the temple but lived out daily in front of their families.

Application:

The God who split seas and smashed rocks can break through the “impossible” in our families today.

It’s God’s way of saying: “I want My truth to be as visible in your home as the parted sea was in your past.”

C. They saw Him provide when no one else could (v. 16)

God’s truth wasn’t just about survival — it was supernatural provision.

Psalm 78:16 “16 He brought streams also out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers.”

Water in the wilderness wasn’t coincidence — it was covenant care.

Jesus picks this up in John 7: “If any man thirst, let him come unto me… out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”

God’s presence was not occasional — it was constant.

Psalm 78:14 “14 In the daytime also he led them with a cloud, and all the night with a light of fire.”

Every morning when they stepped out of their tent, there was the cloud. Every night before bed, there was the fire.

God’s people had a visible reminder: He’s here, He’s leading, He’s faithful.

We should diligently seek ways to keep these truths infront of our family.

Deuteronomy 6:9 “9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.”

Just like the cloud and fire stood at the edge of the camp, marking God’s direction, so God told His people to mark their homes with His Word.

The Word was to be at the door — the last thing you see going out, the first thing you see coming in.

Application:

Israel’s children didn’t have to wonder if God was there — they saw it every day.

Our kids need that same kind of daily, visible reminder — not a cloud or fire, but Scripture on the walls, prayer in the mornings, gratitude at meals, faith shaping routines.

Parents, if God’s truth can split seas and flood deserts, it can sustain your family in dry seasons too.

Here is some practical tips

Don’t just consider what you teach your kids — think about where you teach it. Context matters. (When I proposed to Stephanie, I chose a special place because the setting gave weight to the moment. Teaching God’s Word is the same way.)

Family devotions are important, but even more important is living a devotional life. Don’t limit Scripture to a set time. Surprise yourself and your kids by talking about Jesus at unplanned, everyday moments — in the car, at the dinner table, while running errands.

Kids often remember the “when” and “where” as much as the “what.” Let God’s Word show up in ordinary places so it feels like part of real life, not just “church life.”

Transition: But here’s the tragedy — God gave receipts, but Israel still ran after cravings. That’s because wants often scream louder than truth.

2. God’s Word is stronger than every want (vv. 17–31)

Psalm 78:18 “18 And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust.”

Israel didn’t reject God because He failed to provide — they rejected Him because their cravings felt more urgent than His commands.

Dr. Jones said people run all over the place seeking pleasure and I have found it in my walk with the Lord. Why do you think this is a hard sell to your kids? Because we do not believe it ourselves. Probably no generation has had parents and kids struggling with the same temptations in the same manner.

A. Their wants made them forget His works (v. 17–20)

Psalm 78:17–20 (KJV)

17 And they sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness.

18 And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust.

19 Yea, they spake against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?

20 Behold, he smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed; can he give bread also? can he provide flesh for his people?

This is laughable — the God who just parted seas and split rocks is questioned about His catering abilities.

Their cravings blurred their memory of His faithfulness.

Illustration: Kids on Christmas morning tearing open gifts — by the afternoon, they’re complaining, “Is that all?” Desire without gratitude makes truth look small.

B. His Word provided bread and meat (v. 23–27)

Psalm 78:23–27 (KJV)

23 Though he had commanded the clouds from above, and opened the doors of heaven,

24 And had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven.

25 Man did eat angels’ food: he sent them meat to the full.

26 He caused an east wind to blow in the heaven: and by his power he brought in the south wind.

27 He rained flesh also upon them as dust, and feathered fowls like as the sand of the sea:

God opened the doors of heaven (vv. 23–24)

The manna didn’t come from the ground, but from above — supernatural supply.

The phrase “corn of heaven” emphasizes the divine source — bread from God’s own hand.

Every morning, fresh provision was waiting, like a daily reminder that His mercies are new every morning (Lam. 3:22–23).

God gave angels’ food to man (v. 25)

The psalmist calls manna “angels’ food” — emphasizing its purity and perfection.

Ordinary people feasted on heaven’s pantry. What came from heaven was enough to sustain life on earth.

This foreshadows Christ, the true Bread from heaven (John 6:32–35).

God sent quail in overwhelming supply (vv. 26–27)

By His Word He commanded the winds, and quail flew right into their camp.

The text says quail fell “as dust” — countless, unmissable, undeniable.

Where man could not provide, God made His abundance undeniable (cf. Phil. 4:19).

Application: God’s Word doesn’t just say He provides — it proves He provides.

C. His Word exposes hearts (vv. 30–31)

Psalm 78:30–31 (KJV)

30 They were not estranged from their lust. But while their meat was yet in their mouths,

31 The wrath of God came upon them, and slew the fattest of them, and smote down the chosen men of Israel.

They were enslaved to their cravings (v. 30)

They didn’t simply eat — they lusted. Their hearts were chained to desire.

Instead of gratitude for provision, they idolized the gift and forgot the Giver.

Judgment came suddenly (v. 31)

“While the meat was yet in their mouths” — sin’s pleasure was short-lived.

God’s wrath fell even in the middle of their feasting — reminding us sin carries swift consequences.

God’s Word exposes unbelief

Provision without faith doesn’t satisfy; it only multiplies guilt.

God’s Word both feeds and disciplines — the same hand that gives manna can strike in judgment.

Application: Our kids must see both sides of God’s Word — it comforts, but it also confronts. If we present only promises without warnings, they’ll misunderstand God. The Bible isn’t a buffet; it’s the truth, whole and unfiltered.

Transition: If the story ended there, it would be judgment only. But Psalm 78 shows us something staggering: God’s mercy from his unchanging Word.

3. Man’s words are empty, but God’s Word is eternal

(Psalm 78:32–39; Deut. 6:6–7)

A. Israel’s words were empty and insincere (vv. 32–37)

Psalm 78:32–37 (KJV)

32 For all this they sinned still, and believed not for his wondrous works.

33 Therefore their days did he consume in vanity, and their years in trouble.

34 When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and enquired early after God.

35 And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer.

36 Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues.

37 For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant.

They flattered God with their mouths (v. 36): Hollow speech.

Their hearts weren’t right (v. 37): Words without weight.

Application: Our kids can tell if our faith is just empty talk.

Deut. 6:6: “These words… shall be in thine heart.”

God didn’t want surface talk; He wanted heart-level truth.

Kids don’t need to hear hollow clichés; they need to see God’s Word shaping us inside-out.

B. God’s words are weighty and full of mercy (vv. 38–39)

Psalm 78:38–39 (KJV)

38 But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.

39 For he remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.

He forgave despite their lies (v. 38): Mercy outweighed their empty words.

He remembered their frailty (v. 39): He knows we are dust.

Application: Our words are flimsy, but God’s Word is full of mercy and weight.

The real danger of our words being empty is that they make God’s Word look empty. When we don’t keep our promises, forgive as we say we will, or show the mercy we preach, we project our inconsistency onto Him — and that undermines His Word in the hearts of those watching.

C. Our words can be hollow; His Word is heavy (vv. 36–39)

Psalm 78:36–39 (KJV)

36 Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues.

37 For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant.

38 But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.

39 For he remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.

Our words often flatter but fail (vv. 36–37)

Israel said the right things, but their mouths were not matched by their hearts.

Their words were full of flattery and lies, not faithfulness.

Our promises are fragile — they break easily, but His covenant stands eternally.

God’s Word carries covenant weight (v. 38)

Though Israel’s words failed, God’s covenant faithfulness never faltered.

His Word was full of compassion — forgiving, restraining wrath, showing mercy.

What He promises, He performs; what He speaks, He sustains.

God’s compassion outweighs our inconsistency (v. 39)

He remembers we are but flesh — fragile, fleeting, frail.

Our words are like breath in the air, but His Word is an anchor in eternity.

Application: If our kids see us fail but then see us cling to God’s unbreakable promises, they’ll learn where the true weight lies — not in our word, but in His.

Tie-in to Deuteronomy 6:7

“Teach them diligently… talk of them when thou sittest… walkest… liest down… risest up.”

Not empty flattery, but faithful repetition of God’s truth.

Not hollow promises, but weighty truth lived daily in front of our children.

Conclusion – Building Homes on What Lasts

Psalm 78 tells us:

God’s works aren’t rumors — they’re receipts.

God’s Word is stronger than every craving.

Man’s words are empty, but God’s Word is eternal.

So here’s the question: What foundation are you giving the next generation?

Trends rise and fall. Wants flare up and fade. Our words crack and crumble. But the Word of God is timeless, reliable, and weighty.

Practical Steps for Parents & Families:

Make God’s Word visible.

Put Scripture where your family sees it (walls, doors, mirrors, even lock screens).

Just like the cloud and fire were a daily reminder of God’s presence, let His Word mark your home.

Make God’s Word regular.

Deut. 6:7 says: talk about it at home, on the road, at bedtime, in the morning.

Don’t wait for perfect “family devotion” moments — seize ordinary moments.

Surprise your kids with Jesus-talk at the dinner table, in the car, while walking through Target.

Make God’s Word weighty.

Let your kids see you repent when you fail.

Keep your promises, forgive quickly, show mercy — because the real danger of our empty words is that they make God’s Word look empty.

Point them to the fact that our words will fail, but God’s Word never does.

Practical Steps for the Church:

Build ministries that don’t just entertain, but equip.

Teach kids that the Bible isn’t outdated — it’s the only thing in their world that doesn’t expire.

Keep rehearsing the receipts of God’s works and the reliability of His Word for the next generation.