In this lesson, children learn that when we feel scared, we can run to God, because he is our shield and he always hears us. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is our shield. When we are scared, we can call on him, and he will keep us safe and help us.
Memory Verse
Psalm 3:3
But you, the LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.
(WEB)
Hold your arms out in front of you, then cross them over your chest like a shield. Say the words slowly as you hold the shield, and then lift your head up high, as the verse says God does for us.
The Story: Psalm 3 for Kids
King David wrote a song to God a long time ago. David was the king of Israel, and he was in big trouble. His own son, Absalom, had turned against him, and many people were fighting against David. Some of them said, “God will never help this man!” That must have been very scary to hear.
David was not happy about the people who were fighting him. He was sad and afraid. But David did not keep his fear to himself. He talked to God. He cried out to God with his voice, and he trusted that God could hear him from his holy hill in heaven.
Then David did something that might surprise you. He lay down and went to sleep. He was not sleeping because he was lazy. He was sleeping because he trusted God to watch over him. When he woke up, he thought, “God kept me safe all night long!” He felt brave again.
David remembered that God was a shield around him. A shield is something a soldier holds up to protect himself from being hurt. David knew that God was like that for him. He said that God was his glory and the one who lifted up his head when he felt sad.
David ended his song by asking God to save him and his people. He knew that the Lord is the one who brings us safety. David was not afraid of the people fighting against him, because he knew God was on his side.
Read It Together
Psalm 3:4
I cry to the LORD with my voice, and he answers me out of his holy hill. Selah.
(WEB)
Point out that David talked to God with his voice and that God answered him. Explain that God hears us every time we pray, even when we are not in a big place or in front of many people.
Psalm 3:5
I laid myself down and slept. I awakened; for the LORD sustains me.
(WEB)
Show the children that David was able to sleep even when he was afraid. Explain that trusting God means we can rest, because he is the one who keeps us safe.
Psalm 3:6
I will not be afraid of tens of thousands of people who have set themselves against me on every side.
(WEB)
Point out that David was not afraid of many people. Tell the children that when they feel worried, they can remember that God is bigger than any fear.
Talk About It
- What is something that makes you feel scared sometimes?
- What did David do when he was scared, and what can you do when you feel that way?
- How does it feel to know that God is like a shield around you?
- Why do you think David was able to go to sleep even though people were fighting against him?
- Who is a person you can go to when you need help, and how can you remember that God is always with you?
Activity Ideas
Make a Paper Shield Craft
You will need paper plates, crayons or markers, and yarn or tape. Let each child draw a picture of something that makes them feel safe on the front of the plate. Then have them write “God is my shield” on the back. Tie a piece of yarn to the back so they can hold it up like a shield during prayer time.
Shield Stand Game
Gather the children in a open space. Choose one child to be the “scared one” and have them stand in the middle. The other children stand around in a circle and raise their arms like shields. When the scared one says “God, help!” everyone in the circle lifts their shield arms and cheers together. Switch roles so each child gets a turn.
Take-Home Sleep Prayer Card
You will need index cards and a pencil. Write “God is my shield, and I can sleep in peace” on one side of the card. On the other side, draw a simple picture of a bed or a moon. Encourage the children to read the card with their family before bedtime, reminding them that God watches over them while they sleep.
Teacher Notes
Psalm 3 shows adults that fear and trust can live side by side. David was in real danger, yet he brought his fear to God honestly, prayed out loud, and rested in God’s protection. For grown-ups, the psalm encourages honest prayer during hard seasons and a steady confidence that God is near.
Be careful not to promise children that God will always make their problems disappear the way they want. Instead, emphasize that God is with us and helps us in our fears. Avoid suggesting that faith means we will never feel scared, since David himself felt afraid.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you that you are our shield and our protector. When we feel scared, help us to talk to you and trust you. Help us rest in your care, knowing you are always near. Amen.
