In this lesson, children learn that God gives us the help we need to do the work He asks us to do. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is with us and gives us the help and courage we need to do the job He has given us. We don’t have to be scared, because God is always with us.
Memory Verse
1 Chronicles 22:13
Then you will prosper, if you observe to do the statutes and the ordinances which the LORD gave Moses concerning Israel. Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid, and don’t be dismayed.
(WEB)
Teach the children to stand tall with feet apart, make a fist with each hand, and raise both arms up high on the words “Be strong and courageous.” Then have them place a hand over their heart and shake their head slowly on “Don’t be afraid.” Repeat the motions three times together.
The Story: 1 Chronicles 22 for Kids
King David was an old man, and he wanted to build a special house for God. It would be a place where the people of Israel could come and worship the Lord. David knew this was a very big job. He called his son Solomon to come and see him.
David gathered many workers together. Some men cut big stones, and others cut wood from tall cedar trees. Some men worked with gold, silver, bronze, and iron. David wanted God’s house to be the most beautiful house anyone had ever seen. He saved up so much gold and silver that no one could count it.
Then David looked at Solomon and said, “My son, be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid, and don’t be dismayed.” David wanted Solomon to know that God would be with him. He told Solomon that God would help him finish the job.
David also called all the leaders of Israel together. He said to them, “Help Solomon build God’s house.” The leaders listened and promised to help. Everyone got ready to work hard for the Lord.
David wanted the people to remember that God had given them rest from their enemies. He wanted them to love and serve God with their whole heart. Solomon would be the one who would build the house, and David was happy to help him get ready.
Read It Together
1 Chronicles 22:11
Now, my son, may the LORD be with you and prosper you, and build the house of the LORD your God, as he has spoken concerning you.
(WEB)
Point out that David prayed that the Lord would be with Solomon. Ask the children how they feel when someone they love prays for them. Explain that God is with His people when they do the work He asks of them.
1 Chronicles 22:18
“Isn’t the LORD your God with you? Hasn’t he given you rest on every side? For he has delivered the inhabitants of the land into my hand; and the land is subdued before the LORD, and before his people.
(WEB)
Show the children that David reminded the leaders how God had already given them rest. Explain that remembering what God has done helps us trust Him for what comes next. Ask who has helped them in the past.
1 Chronicles 22:19
Now set your heart and your soul to follow the LORD your God. Arise therefore, and build the sanctuary of the LORD God, to bring the ark of the LORD’s covenant and the holy vessels of God into the house that is to be built for the LORD’s name.”
(WEB)
Point out that David told the leaders to set their heart and soul on following the Lord. Explain that God wants our whole heart, not just part of it. Talk about one small way we can follow God today.
Talk About It
- What job did King David want to see finished, and who was going to do it?
- What did David tell Solomon to be when he felt scared about the work?
- How do you think Solomon felt when his father gave him this big job?
- Who are some people who help you when you have a hard task to do?
- How can God help you when something feels too big for you?
Activity Ideas
Build a Paper Temple
You will need construction paper, scissors, glue, and crayons or markers. Have each child fold a sheet of paper in half and cut out a tall building shape with a door at the bottom. Let the children decorate their temple with gold and silver crayons to show the treasure David saved. Talk about how the house was built to honor God.
Be Strong and Courageous Relay
You will need two cups, a few soft balls or rolled socks, and a open space to run. Divide the children into two teams and set a cup at the far end of the room for each team. Each child carries a ball on a spoon or in their hands to the cup, and says “Be strong and courageous” as they go. The first team to finish wins, and everyone cheers for each other.
Take-Home Courage Card
You will need index cards, a pencil, and a marker. Write “Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid.” on the front of each card and let the children draw a picture of something that makes them feel brave. Encourage them to take the card home and put it on their bedroom wall or in their backpack. Tell them to look at it when they feel scared.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God gives His people the wisdom, resources, and encouragement they need to carry out His purposes. David did not build the temple himself, but he prepared for it, trusted God, and passed the vision on to Solomon. It also shows that faithful service can be carried out by the generation that follows us.
Avoid suggesting that children can earn God’s favor by working hard or that God promises to make every task easy. The point is that God is present and faithful, not that difficulties disappear. Keep the focus on God’s character and His presence with us.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for being with us every day. Help us to be strong and brave when our jobs feel big. Remind us that You are always near, and help us to follow You with our whole heart. Amen.
