In this lesson, children learn that the Lord helps His people and keeps them safe, even when things look scary. The lesson is for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the Bible reading, and one activity.
Big Idea
God is on our side, and He helps us when we are in trouble. We can always trust Him to keep us safe and rescue us.
Memory Verse
Psalm 124:8
Our help is in the LORD’s name, who made heaven and earth.
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both hands out flat, palms up, like they are asking for help. Then, as you say the words slowly, bring both hands up and over their heads like a little roof. This shows that God is above us, helping us, and that He made the whole wide world.
The Story: Psalm 124 for Kids
Long ago, the people of Israel were in danger. Enemies were angry and wanted to hurt them. The people felt small and afraid, like a few sheep surrounded by wolves. But they remembered one important thing: the Lord had been with them the whole time.
The writer of this song looked back and said, “If the Lord had not been on our side, we would have been lost.” Think about a flood. Big, rushing water was rising higher and higher. It could have swept the people away. But God kept them safe, and they did not drown.
Next, the people were like a little bird caught in a trap. A bird hunter had set a net to catch it. But the net broke, and the bird flew free! The people felt that same kind of relief. God had broken the trap and set them free.
So the people praised God. They said, “Blessed be the Lord, who did not let our enemies tear us apart!” They thanked Him for His help. They knew that their help came from the Lord, the One who made heaven and earth.
When you tell this story, slow down at the parts about the water and the bird. Ask the children to make a splashing sound and then a fluttering sound with their hands. Let them feel the excitement of being rescued.
Read It Together
Psalm 124:1-2
1 If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, let Israel now say, 2 if it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us…
(WEB)
Point out that the writer begins by saying “If it had not been the Lord on our side.” Ask the children to finish that sentence together and notice how often the Lord’s help is the main idea.
Psalm 124:4-5
4 Then the waters would have overwhelmed us, the stream would have gone over our soul; 5 then the proud waters would have gone over our soul.
(WEB)
Show the children how the writer uses pictures of rushing waters. Explain that the waters stand for big troubles that feel too strong for us. Ask them what big troubles they have faced.
Psalm 124:6-7
6 Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us as a prey to their teeth. 7 Our soul has escaped like a bird out of the fowler’s snare. The snare is broken, and we have escaped.
(WEB)
Point to the picture of the bird escaping the trap. Tell the children that this shows how free and thankful the people felt. Let them flap their arms like birds as you read.
Talk About It
- What do you think it felt like to be surrounded by enemies?
- Why did the people say that God was on their side?
- Can you think of a time when you felt safe because someone helped you?
- What did the bird teach us about being rescued?
- How can you thank God when He helps you?
Activity Ideas
Bird in the Net Craft
You will need paper, crayons, scissors, and glue. Have each child draw a small bird on paper and cut it out. Then they can draw a net or a few lines over the bird, and cut a small hole in the net. Let them glue the bird behind the net so it looks like it is flying free. Talk about how God breaks our traps.
Waves and Rescue Game
Clear a space in your room or outdoor area. Lay out a few towels or pieces of paper on the floor to be “safe islands.” Have the children pretend the floor is rushing water. When you call “Waves!”, they move from one safe island to another, the way God brought the people to safety. Cheer for each child who makes it safely.
Thank You Card at Home
You will need a sheet of paper, a pencil or crayons, and an envelope if you like. Ask each child to draw one thing God has helped them with this week. Then have them write or dictate a short thank-you note to God. Let them take the card home to keep in a special place as a reminder.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 124 is a song of thanksgiving that looks back on a time when God delivered His people from great danger. It reminds us that our help comes from the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth, and that we can trust Him even when the threats around us feel overwhelming.
With children, avoid suggesting that God will always rescue us from every trouble in the exact way we hope. Instead, emphasize that God is faithful and near, and that He is always with His people in every situation.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, we thank You that You are on our side. When we feel scared or surrounded, help us remember that You are always with us. Thank You for keeping us safe and for helping us every day. We trust You, our Helper and Rescuer. Amen.
