This lesson teaches children that God hears us when we call to Him and rescues us when we are in trouble, and they can repeat it as “God hears me and saves me.” It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
When we are scared or in trouble, we can call on God, and He always hears us and comes to help. He is our rock, our strong place to hide, and our rescuer.
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 the children stand tall and put both fists together in front of their chests, then lift one arm up over their head like a shield. Say “rock, fortress, deliverer” as you do it, and let the children copy you until they know the words and the motion together.
The Story: Psalm 18 for Kids
King David wrote this song to thank God for saving him. Many years before, David had been chased by enemies who wanted to hurt him. He was in so much danger that it felt like ropes were tying him up and trapping him. David was very scared.
So David did the most important thing he could think of. He prayed. He called out to God for help, and he knew God could hear him, even from heaven. The Bible says God heard his voice and his cry reached God’s ears.
Then David told how God came to help him. The ground shook, and the sky grew dark with clouds. God’s thunder roared and His lightning flashed like arrows. It was a powerful picture of how mighty God is. Nothing could stop Him from rescuing David.
God pulled David out of deep waters and set him in a wide, safe place. David’s enemies were too strong for him to beat on his own, but God was on David’s side. God helped him and gave him strength. David said, “God delighted in me,” which means God was pleased to rescue him.
David ended his song by praising God. He said, “The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock!” He wanted everyone to know that God is faithful. Even when David was afraid, God was still his shield and his strength.
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 was in trouble and he called out. Ask the children what they could say to God when they feel scared, and remind them that God hears every prayer.
Psalm 18:19
He brought me out also into a large place. He delivered me, because he delighted in me.
(WEB)
Show the children that God brought David out into a large, open place. Explain that God rescued David because God cared for him, and that God cares for each child in the same way.
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)
Point out that God’s way is perfect and that He is a shield for everyone who runs to Him. Ask the children what it means to take refuge, and help them see that they can always run to God.
Talk About It
- What is something that made David feel scared in this story?
- What did David do when he was in trouble, and what can you do when you feel afraid?
- How did God show His power when He came to help David?
- Why do you think David called God his rock and his shield?
- Can you think of a time when you felt God was keeping you safe?
Activity Ideas
Shield Craft
You will need paper plates, crayons or markers, tape, and craft sticks. Have each child draw a picture of God on the front of their plate, or write the words “God is my shield” in bright colors. Tape a craft stick to the back to make a handle, then let the children carry their shields around the room while they say the memory verse together.
Rock and Fortress Game
You will need a few soft pillows or a blanket. Set the pillows in a corner of the room and call that spot the “fortress.” When you shout “Rock!” the children stand still like a rock, and when you shout “Fortress!” they run to the pillows. Play a few rounds so the children connect running to God with feeling safe.
Take-Home Prayer Jar
You will need a clean jar, paper, and a pen. Ask each child to write or draw one thing they are worried about on a slip of paper and drop it in the jar. Explain that when they feel afraid at home, they can take one paper out and pray about it, remembering that God hears them.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 18 is David’s song of thanksgiving after God delivered him from many enemies and from his own dangers. It reminds us that God is personal, strong, and faithful, and that He responds when we cry out to Him in distress. The psalm is honest about fear and trouble, and it ends with praise rather than despair.
With children, avoid suggesting that God will always rescue us from every danger in the way He rescued David, or that trouble is a sign that we have done something wrong. Stress instead that God is with us and hears us, and that He is our strength through whatever comes.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for hearing us when we call to You. You are our rock, our fortress, and our shield. Help us to remember that You are always with us and always strong enough to save us. Amen.
