Isaiah 12 teaches children that God comforts His people and saves them, so they can sing and give thanks to Him. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including a short story, a few Bible verses, and an activity.
Big Idea
God is our salvation, so we can trust Him, be brave, and sing thank you to Him for everything He has done.
Memory Verse
Isaiah 12:2
Behold, God is my salvation. I will trust, and will not be afraid; for Yah, the LORD, is my strength and song; and he has become my salvation.”
(WEB)
Have children stand tall and place both hands on their heart when they say “God is my salvation.” Then they can lift their arms up high on “I will trust,” and bring them down gently on “and will not be afraid.” Practice the motions a few times until everyone can do them together.
The Story: Isaiah 12 for Kids
Long ago, the people of Israel had done many wrong things, and God was upset with them. But God did not stay angry forever. He wanted to comfort His people and bring them back to Him. The prophet Isaiah told the people about a day that was coming, a day when they would remember how God had taken care of them.
On that day, Isaiah said, the people would thank God. They would say, “I will give thanks to you, LORD.” God had turned away His anger, and now He was comforting them like a loving parent holding a scared child. What a happy change that was!
The people would say to one another, “Look! God is our salvation. We do not need to be afraid, because the LORD is our strength and our song.” Think about that. God was not only their rescuer, He was also the reason they could sing. Their hearts would feel full, like a cup filled to the top with cool, fresh water.
Isaiah told the people to call on God’s name and tell others about the wonderful things He had done. He said, “Sing to the LORD, for he has done excellent things!” The people should share the news in every land so everyone could hear about how good God is. They were to shout and celebrate because the Holy One of Israel was among them.
Read It Together
Isaiah 12:1
In that day you will say, “I will give thanks to you, the LORD; for though you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you comfort me.
(WEB)
Point out the words “In that day you will say.” Explain that this verse is looking ahead to a happy time when God’s people will remember His kindness and be ready to thank Him. Ask children what they think they would want to thank God for on that day.
Isaiah 12:3
Therefore with joy you will draw water out of the wells of salvation.
(WEB)
Show children the picture of water coming from a well and talk about how important water is for a thirsty person. Explain that God’s salvation is like a well that never runs dry, and that we can always come to Him to find joy and help.
Isaiah 12:5
Sing to the LORD, for he has done excellent things! Let this be known in all the earth!
(WEB)
Point out the words “Sing to the LORD” and “he has done excellent things.” Help children see that singing is one way we can share with others what God has done. Encourage them to name one excellent thing God has done in their own life.
Talk About It
- What is something God has done for you that makes you want to say thank you?
- When you feel scared, how can remembering that God is your strength help you feel brave?
- Why do you think Isaiah wanted the people to sing and tell others about God?
- How does it feel to be comforted by someone who loves you, and how is God like that?
- Who is someone you could tell about God’s goodness this week?
Activity Ideas
Thankful Water Well Craft
You will need construction paper, crayons or markers, scissors, glue, and cotton balls. Have children draw a round well on the paper and cut out a bucket shape to glue on top. Ask them to write or draw one thing they are thankful for on a blue paper “water drop” and glue it inside the well. Talk together about how God’s salvation fills our hearts like water in a well.
Sing and Shout Movement Game
You will need a open space and a simple song or chant. Teach children a short thank you song with hand motions, then call out “Shout!” and have everyone cheer loudly for God. Take turns letting children lead the motions. Remind them that Isaiah told the people to sing and shout because the Holy One of Israel is great.
Thank You Jar at Home
You will need an empty jar, paper slips, and a pen. Place the jar somewhere everyone can see and invite family members to write one thing they thank God for each day. Read the notes together at dinner or bedtime. This helps children practice giving thanks and remembering God’s kindness throughout the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Isaiah 12 is a short song of praise that looks forward to a time when God’s people will joyfully trust Him as their salvation. It reminds us that God’s anger over sin does not have the final word, and that His comfort and strength are what give us reason to sing. The chapter invites everyone to remember God’s works and speak of them to others.
Be careful not to make the lesson about a list of rules or a promise that good behavior guarantees God’s love. Children may already feel anxious about doing right, so keep the focus on God’s faithful comfort and kindness rather than their performance.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we thank You that You are our salvation and our strength. Help us trust You and not be afraid, even when we feel small. Teach us to sing and tell others about all the good things You have done. We love You, God. Amen.
