This lesson teaches children that God takes care of us the way a shepherd takes care of his sheep, so they never have to be afraid. It works for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including a short story, a few verses to read together, and an activity.
Big Idea
God is our shepherd. He takes care of us every day, even when things feel scary, so we can trust him and not be afraid.
Memory Verse
Psalm 23:1
The LORD is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.
(WEB)
Hold both hands out in front of you, palms up, like a shepherd holding a little lamb. Lift your hands slightly as you say “The Lord is my shepherd,” then bring them to your chest as you say “I shall lack nothing.” Do it together a few times until the children can say it with you.
The Story: Psalm 23 for Kids
A long time ago, a king named David was a shepherd when he was a boy. Every day he took his sheep out to find grass to eat and water to drink. David knew each sheep by name, and he cared for them all day long. The sheep did not have to worry about where their next meal would come from, because David always knew the way to good places.
When David grew up, he wrote a song to God. In the song, he said, “The Lord is my shepherd.” David was saying that God takes care of him the same way he once cared for his sheep. God leads him to green grass and quiet streams where he can rest and feel calm.
David also sang about hard times. Sometimes a shepherd has to walk through a dark valley where it feels scary. David said, “I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” He knew that even in the darkest places, God was walking right beside him. Shepherds carried a long stick called a rod and a curved stick called a staff. David said these sticks made him feel safe, because they showed that God was guarding him.
In the song, David also pictured a big table full of good food, with God preparing it for him even while his enemies were watching. He imagined his cup filled so full that it spilled over. David wanted children and grown-ups alike to know that God gives us more than we need and treats us with love. David ended his song by saying that God’s goodness and kindness would follow him every day of his life.
Read It Together
Psalm 23:2-3
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
(WEB)
Point out the words “green pastures” and “still waters,” and ask the children to picture a calm, sunny field with a quiet stream. Explain that a shepherd leads the sheep there so they can rest. Tell them God does the same thing for us when we need peace.
Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
(WEB)
Talk about the “valley of the shadow of death” as a dark, scary place. Explain that even in scary times, the words “you are with me” tell us God never leaves us alone. Let the children tell you about a time they felt scared and remember that God was with them.
Psalm 23:5-6
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the LORD’s house forever.
(WEB)
Point out the table, the oil, and the overflowing cup, and say that these show how generous God is. Explain that God’s goodness and love will follow us every day. Ask the children to name something good God has given them.
Talk About It
- What kind of job does a shepherd have, and how does he take care of his sheep?
- Why do you think David said God was like a shepherd instead of a king or a teacher?
- What can you do when you feel scared, like David did in the dark valley?
- How does it feel to know God is walking right beside you every day?
- What is one good thing God has given you that you are thankful for?
Activity Ideas
Paper Plate Sheep Craft
You will need a paper plate, cotton balls, glue, a marker, and scissors. Have each child glue cotton balls all over the front of the plate to make a fluffy sheep. Then let them draw a face and four legs with the marker. While they work, remind them that the Lord is their shepherd and takes care of them just like David’s sheep.
Shepherd and Sheep Follow-the-Leader
Choose one child to be the shepherd and the rest to be sheep. Clear a space in the room and let the shepherd lead the sheep around, over pretend hills, and through a “dark valley” made from chairs covered with a blanket. Stop often and have the sheep say “The Lord is my shepherd” together. This helps children move their bodies while they remember the story.
Shepherd’s Staff Reminder Card
You will need a sheet of paper, crayons or markers, and a craft stick or pencil. Have each child draw a simple shepherd’s staff on the paper and write or draw one thing that makes them feel safe. Tape the card to the craft stick so it looks like a little staff. Encourage them to keep it in their room or backpack as a reminder that God is with them.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 23 is a song of trust written by David, who knew firsthand what shepherding involved. It shows God as personal, attentive, and generous, guiding his people through both peaceful and frightening seasons. The psalm moves from green pastures to the dark valley to a lavish banquet, reminding us that God’s presence and provision are constant.
Be careful not to promise children that bad things will never happen to them or that God will always give them what they want. The psalm speaks of God’s presence and goodness, not a guarantee that life will be easy. Focus on God being with us in hard times rather than on suggesting that faithful children will never face fear or loss.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you for being our shepherd. Thank you for leading us to rest, for walking with us in dark times, and for filling our lives with good things. Help us trust you every day and not be afraid, because you are always with us. Amen.
