In this lesson, children learn that God is a rock they can run to when they are scared or in trouble. It is for children ages 5 to 11, and it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach. Use a picture of a big rock or a real stone to help the children picture the idea.
Big Idea
God is our rock. When we are scared, we can call on him, and he will keep us safe and strong.
Memory Verse
2 Samuel 22:2
And he said: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, even mine…
(WEB)
Put both hands together in front of your chest, then move them apart like a rock that stays firm. Say “The LORD is my rock” as you do it, and ask the children to copy you until they know it well.
The Story: 2 Samuel 22 for Kids
King David was a young man who loved God very much. Many years had passed since he was a shepherd boy, and by this time he had been in great danger over and over again. Enemies chased him, and King Saul wanted to hurt him. Every time, God kept David safe and helped him win.
One day, after God had rescued David from all of his enemies, David sat down and wrote a happy song to God. He said, “The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer.” David was thankful, because he knew that God was always there to protect him. A rock is strong and does not move, and God is strong like that.
David remembered a time when he was in trouble. He said that the waves of death surrounded him, and the floods made him afraid. In that scary moment, David called out to God for help. God heard David from his holy place, and the earth shook. Big storm clouds and lightning showed how powerful God is.
God reached down and pulled David out of the deep water. He brought David out into a big, open place where he could breathe and be free. David said, “He delivered me, because he delighted in me.” God loved David and helped him.
David knew that God is good and fair. He kept following God’s ways and tried to live in a way that pleased him. David said that God’s way is perfect and that God is a shield for all who run to him for safety.
At the end of his song, David said, “I will give thanks to you, the LORD, among the nations.” He wanted everyone to know how good God is. David trusted God to keep him safe for the rest of his life.
Read It Together
2 Samuel 22:3
God is my rock in whom I take refuge; my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge. My savior, you save me from violence.
(WEB)
Point out the word “refuge.” Ask the children what a refuge is, like a safe hiding place from the rain or from a storm. Explain that God is a safe place we can always run to.
2 Samuel 22:7
In my distress, I called on the LORD. Yes, I called to my God. He heard my voice out of his temple. My cry came into his ears.
(WEB)
Show the children that David prayed when he was in trouble. Remind them that God hears us when we call to him, even when we are scared or sad.
2 Samuel 22:20
He also brought me out into a large place. He delivered me, because he delighted in me.
(WEB)
Point out that God brought David out into a large place. Explain that God rescues us and gives us freedom, and that he loves us very much.
Talk About It
- What is something that makes you feel scared, and how could you talk to God about it?
- Why do you think David compared God to a rock?
- What did God do for David when he called out for help?
- How does it feel to know that God is always strong and never moves away from you?
- Who is someone you can go to for safety, just like David ran to God?
Activity Ideas
Rock Painting Craft
You will need small smooth stones, washable paint or markers, and a clear sealer if you have one. Let each child paint a stone and write one word that describes God, such as “strong,” “safe,” or “faithful.” Have them keep the stone at home as a reminder that God is their rock.
Rock, Fortress, Hide Game
Set up a few chairs or cushions in the room to be the “fortress.” Call out a word like “storm,” and the children run to the fortress and stand still like a rock. Play a few rounds, then say, “God is our rock,” and let them celebrate by stomping or clapping together.
Safe Place Take-Home Card
Give each child an index card and crayons. Ask them to draw a picture of a place where they feel safe, like their bedroom or a grandparent’s porch. Encourage them to show the card at dinner and tell their family that God is their safe place too.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter is a song of thanksgiving David sang after God rescued him from many enemies and from King Saul. It shows that God is a faithful protector who hears prayers, and that David’s trust in God grew through years of trouble. Adults can also see that David speaks of God’s justice and of his own integrity before God, and that these ideas belong to the story of God’s promise to David’s family.
Avoid telling children that God will always make bad things disappear or that they will never be scared. The lesson is that God is strong and faithful and that he is with us in hard times. Keep the focus on God’s character rather than promising specific outcomes.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, you are our rock and our safe place. When we feel scared, help us remember that you hear us when we call. Thank you for being strong and faithful to us every day. Amen.
