This lesson teaches children that when they feel scared, they can say so to God and trust him to take care of them. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
When I am scared, I can tell God, and I can trust him to keep me safe. He sees every tear and hears every prayer.
Memory Verse
Psalm 56:3
When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.
(WEB)
Have the children put one hand on their heart and hold it there. When they say “I will trust you,” they lift both hands up toward the ceiling, like giving God their worries. Repeat the motion together three times until everyone knows it.
The Story: Psalm 56 for Kids
King David wrote this song a long time ago, when he was in trouble. Some men were chasing him and wanted to hurt him. Every day they tried to catch him and to make his life hard. David felt very scared, and his heart felt heavy.
The enemies were many, and they were strong. They even twisted David’s words, so that people would believe lies about him. They waited quietly and watched where he walked, because they wanted to take his life. It was a frightening time for David.
But David did not keep his fear to himself. He went to God and talked to him honestly. He told God, “Be kind to me, because people are trying to swallow me up.” Telling God the truth was the first thing David did.
Then David said something brave. He said, “When I am afraid, I will trust you.” David knew that God was bigger than his enemies. He knew God was on his side, even when the danger was all around.
God saw David’s tears. David believed God kept track of every hard moment, like a book with every day written in it. David decided to praise God, even while he was still in trouble. He promised to thank God for rescuing him.
In the end, David knew that God had saved his life and kept him from falling. David could walk in the light because God was faithful to him.
Read It Together
Psalm 56:3-4
3 When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. 4 In God, I praise his word. In God, I put my trust. I will not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?
(WEB)
Point out the two words that repeat: “trust” and “not be afraid.” Ask the children to notice that David says he trusts God first, and then he says he is not afraid. Explain that trusting God is what helps fear grow smaller.
Psalm 56:8
You count my wanderings. You put my tears into your bottle. Aren’t they in your book?
(WEB)
Show the children how much God notices. Point out that God counts our wandering steps and keeps our tears. Let the children understand that God cares about even the smallest sad moment in their day.
Psalm 56:12-13
12 Your vows are on me, God. I will give thank offerings to you. 13 For you have delivered my soul from death, and prevented my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living.
(WEB)
Point out that David promised to give thanks after God helped him. Explain that these verses show David remembering God’s help and wanting to say thank you. Ask the children to think about a time God helped them.
Talk About It
- What is something that makes you feel scared sometimes?
- What did David do when he felt afraid?
- How can you tell God about your worries?
- Why do you think God keeps track of our tears?
- What is one thing you can thank God for this week?
Activity Ideas
Trust Tear Jar Craft
You will need a clear jar or cup, some paper, markers, and a few cotton balls. Have each child write or draw one worry on a paper strip and fold it. Then they place a cotton ball in the jar for each worry, saying “God sees this.” Explain that God keeps our tears in his bottle, and the jar becomes a reminder of his care.
Scared, Then Trusting Freeze Game
Clear a space in the room and play a game where children walk around like they are a little scared, then freeze and say “I trust God.” Call out “Scared!” and “Trust!” in turns. Each time they freeze, have them lift their hands like they are giving God their fear. Keep the game short and cheerful.
Take-Home Worry Card
Give each child an index card and a pencil. Ask them to write “When I am afraid, I will trust God” on the card and decorate it. Encourage them to keep it in a pocket or on a bedside table. Suggest they read it aloud at bedtime during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this psalm shows that honest prayer is part of faith, even when we are afraid or surrounded by people who oppose us. David names his fear, asks God for mercy, and chooses to trust and praise him. God is portrayed as attentive to suffering and faithful to deliver.
When teaching children, avoid promising that God will always remove every danger or every hard situation. Instead, focus on the truth that God hears, sees, and stays close, which is the comfort David experienced in his trouble.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you see us and know our hearts. When we feel scared, help us tell you the truth and trust you to keep us safe. Thank you for staying close to us every day. Amen.
