This lesson teaches children that they can run to God when they feel scared or sad, because he hears them and keeps them safe. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
When we are scared, we can run to God and trust him, because he always hears us and keeps us safe. He is our strong rock and our safe place.
Memory Verse
Psalm 31:24
Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the LORD.
(WEB)
Have the children stand up tall and make a strong fist, then slowly raise both arms over their heads like a mighty rock. Say the verse together while holding that strong pose, and then repeat it while they stomp their feet with courage.
The Story: Psalm 31 for Kids
King David wrote this song when he was in trouble. Enemies were sneaking around, trying to trap him and take his life. He felt tired, sad, and very afraid, and it seemed like everyone had forgotten him.
David did not keep his worries to himself. He went to God and said, “Lord, I run to you. Please keep me safe.” He called God his rock and his fortress, a strong place where no enemy could reach him.
David asked God to help him get out of the trap his enemies had set. He knew God could pull him out of the net, just like a helper frees a bird that is caught. He told God, “I trust you, Lord. You are my God.”
Even while he was still afraid, David began to feel brave. He remembered how good God is and how God had seen his pain. He sang out, “Praise be to the Lord, for he has shown me his wonderful kindness.”
David ended his song by telling everyone who loves God to be strong and brave. He said, “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord.” God takes care of the people who trust him.
Read It Together
Psalm 31:1
In you, the LORD, I take refuge. Let me never be disappointed. Deliver me in your righteousness.
(WEB)
Point out that David says he runs to the Lord for safety. Ask the children where they might run when they feel scared, and then show how God is the safest place of all.
Psalm 31:7
I will be glad and rejoice in your loving kindness, for you have seen my affliction. You have known my soul in adversities.
(WEB)
Show the children that God sees our hurts and knows how we feel. Explain that David was glad because God noticed his trouble and cared about his heart.
Psalm 31:15
My times are in your hand. Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.
(WEB)
Help the children see that David trusted that his life was in God’s hands. Explain that even when things feel out of our control, God is still in charge of every moment.
Talk About It
- What is something that makes you feel scared or worried?
- Where is a safe place you like to go when you feel afraid?
- How do you think David felt when his enemies were trying to trap him?
- What did David do when he was scared, and what could you do too?
- How can you tell that God is with you when you feel alone?
Activity Ideas
Rock Fortress Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a big rock or a castle with thick walls, then draw themselves safely inside. Talk together about how God is like that strong rock, keeping us safe from whatever scares us.
Net Escape Game
You will need a large open space and a soft ball or a crumpled paper “net” made from newspaper. One child plays the trapped person and stands in the middle while the others gently toss the net around them. The trapped child calls out “Help, Lord!” and then runs to a safe corner marked by a chair or blanket.
Take-Home Safe Place Card
You will need an index card, a pen, and a small envelope. Help each child write or draw one thing that helps them feel safe, such as a bedtime prayer or a favorite blanket. Ask them to keep the card in their room and read it whenever they feel scared, remembering that God is their strong place.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this psalm shows that honest prayer is welcome to God, even when the one praying feels overwhelmed, grieving, or surrounded by danger. David’s trust grows as he speaks his fears openly and then remembers God’s past faithfulness, which gives a pattern for our own prayers.
Be careful not to promise children that God will always remove every danger or fear from their lives, since David himself was still facing trouble when he prayed. Instead, emphasize that God hears, cares, and is a safe place in the middle of hard things.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, we run to you when we feel scared. You are our rock and our safe place. Help us trust you and be brave, because you always hear us and keep us safe. Amen.
