This lesson teaches children that God hears us when we call to him and rescues us from danger. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
When we are scared or in trouble, we can call on God, and he hears us and helps us. God is strong, and he is always ready to rescue the people who trust him.
Memory Verse
Psalm 18:2
The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower.
(WEB)
Have children hold up one fist, then tap their chest with it as they say “The LORD is my rock.” Next, form a little roof with both hands over their head for “my fortress.” Repeating the motions helps children remember that God is a safe place.
The Story: Psalm 18 for Kids
King David wrote this song to God after God saved him from his enemies. David had been in terrible danger, and it felt like ropes and traps were all around him. It was as if the ground was slipping away under his feet, and he could not get free by himself.
In his trouble, David did the right thing. He called out to the LORD and asked for help. He said, “God, please hear me.” And God did hear him. David said God heard his voice from his holy temple, and his cry reached God’s ears.
Then David told how God came to rescue him. The earth shook, and the mountains trembled. Thunder rolled, lightning flashed, and the skies grew dark. David described God coming down like a mighty warrior, riding on wings and bringing his power to save.
God pulled David out of the deep waters and set him in a wide, safe place. His enemies were stronger than David, but God was stronger still. David said God rescued him because God delighted in him. God helped David stand firm when he could not stand on his own.
David knew that God had been good to him. He had tried to follow God’s ways and do what was right. David promised to thank God and sing praises to him among all the nations. He trusted that God would keep his promises forever.
Read It Together
Psalm 18:6
In my distress I called on the LORD, and cried to my God. He heard my voice out of his temple. My cry before him came into his ears.
(WEB)
Point out that David called out to God, and God heard him. Explain that children can talk to God in any moment, whether they are scared, sad, or happy. Ask them to notice that God listened right away.
Psalm 18:30
As for God, his way is perfect. The LORD’s word is tried. He is a shield to all those who take refuge in him.
(WEB)
Show children that God’s way is perfect and that he is a shield for everyone who runs to him. Explain that a shield protects us from harm. Encourage them to picture God standing between them and their worries.
Psalm 18:35-36
35 You have also given me the shield of your salvation. Your right hand sustains me. Your gentleness has made me great. 36 You have enlarged my steps under me, My feet have not slipped.
(WEB)
Point out that God’s right hand holds David up and keeps his feet from slipping. Explain that God gives us strength and helps us stay steady. Remind children that God’s gentleness is part of his greatness.
Talk About It
- What did David do when he was in trouble, and who did he call out to?
- How did David describe God, and what names did he use to show how strong God is?
- Can you remember a time when you felt scared, and what helped you feel safer?
- What does it mean that God is like a shield or a fortress for us?
- How can we thank God when he helps us, just like David did?
Activity Ideas
Build a Fortress Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and tape. Ask each child to draw a tall tower or castle on the paper, then write or draw the words “God is my fortress” on the front. Let them decorate it with bright colors and tape it to the wall. Talk about how a fortress keeps us safe, just as God does.
Rescue Me Stomp
You will need an open space and a few soft pillows or cushions. Tell the children that the floor is a “danger zone” and they must move carefully across it. Have them stomp loudly like thunder when you call “God hears!” and then hop safely onto a pillow when you call “God rescues!” Finish by letting them cheer together.
Rock Reminder Bag
You will need small smooth stones, a sandwich bag, and a marker. Let each child pick a stone and write the word “Rock” or a small heart on it with the marker. Ask them to keep the stone in a pocket or bag as a reminder that God is their rock. Encourage them to hold it and say a short prayer when they feel worried.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 18 is a song of thanksgiving written by David after God rescued him from many enemies and dangers. It celebrates God as a strong and faithful deliverer who hears his people and acts on their behalf. Adults can see in this psalm an honest picture of fear and distress, followed by confidence that God is faithful.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the dramatic images, such as the earth shaking or the darkness and fire, as if every trouble will come with signs like these. Keep the focus on the simple truth that God hears us and helps us, and that he is trustworthy in every season.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for being our rock, our fortress, and our rescuer. Thank you for hearing us when we call to you. Help us trust you when we feel scared, and help us remember that you are always with us. Amen.
