In this lesson, children learn that when frightening things seem to be coming, God is still in charge and still with His people. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is bigger than any scary thing, and He is always with us. When we feel afraid, we can trust Him instead of being afraid of people who make us nervous.
Memory Verse
Isaiah 8:10
Take counsel together, and it will be brought to nothing; speak the word, and it will not stand: for God is with us.”
(WEB)
Have the children stand up tall, then put their hands on their hearts. Say the last words together, “God is with us,” and let them give a big thumbs up. Repeat it three times, each time a little louder.
The Story: Isaiah 8 for Kids
A long time ago, the country of Judah was scared. Two kings from nearby places were planning to attack, and people were talking about making secret plans to fight back. God’s prophet, Isaiah, lived there, and God gave him a special job to do.
God told Isaiah to take a big flat board and write a strange name on it. The name was Maher Shalal Hash Baz, which means “quick to the plunder.” Isaiah asked two honest men to watch him write it, so everyone would know this message came from God. Then Isaiah had a son, and God gave the baby that same name.
God told Isaiah that before the little boy could even say “Daddy” or “Mommy,” the king of Assyria would come and take away the riches of the enemy kings. God was showing the people that He was in control of what was going to happen next.
But the people of Judah did not trust God. They wanted to trust the enemy kings instead. God said that because of this, a great flood of trouble would come up over the land. Then God told His people something wonderful: even in the middle of this trouble, He was with them. The people could make all the plans they wanted, but God would make sure they did not succeed.
God gave Isaiah a message for the people who were scared. He said, “Do not be afraid of what they are afraid of. Do not be terrorized. Instead, respect the LORD of Armies. He is holy, and He is the one you should trust.” Isaiah decided he would wait for God and look to Him, even when God seemed far away.
Read It Together
Isaiah 8:11-13
11 For the LORD spoke thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me not to walk in the way of this people, saying, 12 “Don’t say, ‘A conspiracy!’ concerning all about which this people say, ‘A conspiracy!’ neither fear their threats, nor be terrorized. 13 The LORD of Armies is who you must respect as holy. He is the one you must fear. He is the one you must dread.
(WEB)
Point out that God told Isaiah not to be afraid of what the people around him feared. Ask the children what kinds of things make them feel scared, and remind them that God is the one they should respect and trust most.
Isaiah 8:17
I will wait for the LORD, who hides his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him.
(WEB)
Show the children how Isaiah says he will wait for the LORD, even when God seems hidden. Explain that waiting for God means keeping our hearts close to Him while we trust Him to do what is right and good.
Isaiah 8:18
Behold, I and the children whom the LORD has given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of Armies, who dwells in Mount Zion.
(WEB)
Point out that Isaiah and his children were given as signs to the people, so everyone could see God’s faithfulness. Talk about how our families can also show others how God takes care of us.
Talk About It
- What is something that makes you feel scared, and what can you do when you feel that way?
- Why do you think God told Isaiah to write the name on a board for the people to see?
- How did the people of Judah choose to trust in others instead of God, and what do you think they could have done differently?
- What does it mean that God is “with us,” and how can you tell that He is near to you?
- How can you show your friends and family that you trust God, even when things feel hard?
Activity Ideas
Shield Drawing Craft
You will need paper plates, crayons or markers, and glue. Have each child draw a picture of something that makes them feel scared on one half of the plate, and something that reminds them God is with them on the other half. Let them hold their plate up like a shield while they say, “God is with us.”
Stand Strong Game
Ask the children to stand in a line. Call out things that might scare people, like thunderstorms or a barking dog, and have the children stand tall and put their hands on their hearts each time. When you call out “God is with us,” they can cheer and wave their arms. Keep the game short and cheerful.
Family Trust Jar
You will need a jar, small pieces of paper, and a pencil. Have each child write one worry on a paper and fold it up, then place it in the jar. Read a verse together, then pray over the jar and say that you are trusting God with those worries. Let the children help decide where the jar should sit so everyone can see it during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God remains in control even when nations seem to be threatening His people. Isaiah teaches that the people’s real danger was not the armies around them, but their choice to trust human plans instead of the LORD. Adults can learn that fear often pulls us toward human solutions, and God calls us to honor Him above all else.
Avoid overstating to children that God will always make scary things disappear right away. The story shows that trouble did come to the people, and God’s presence was with them through it rather than removing every difficulty. Focus on God being with us in hard times rather than promising that bad things will never happen.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You are bigger than anything that scares us. Help us to trust You and not be afraid, even when things feel hard. Thank You for being with us every day, and help us wait for You with hopeful hearts. Amen.
