This lesson teaches children that God hears us and keeps us safe when people try to hurt us, and that we can run to Him with our fears. It is best for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the activities below.
Big Idea
When people are unkind or try to hurt us, we can ask God for help, and we can trust that He is our safe place. God is strong, and He always keeps His promise to protect us.
Memory Verse
Psalm 59:16
But I will sing of your strength. Yes, I will sing aloud of your loving kindness in the morning. For you have been my high tower, a refuge in the day of my distress.
(WEB)
Put your hands on your heart when you say the first part, then lift both arms up high on the words “my high tower.” Lower your arms slowly for “a refuge in the day of my distress.” Let children repeat the motions three times, getting a little quieter each time.
The Story: Psalm 59 for Kids
King David was in trouble. Some men who did not like him were waiting outside his house, watching for him. They wanted to hurt him, but David had never done anything wrong to them. He felt scared and called out to God for help.
David talked to God as a friend. He said, “Please save me from my enemies, my God. Set me up high where they cannot reach me.” He told God that he was not doing anything bad, and he asked God to help him right away.
The men came back at evening, growling and running around the city like hungry dogs. They said mean things and laughed, asking, “Who can hear us?” They thought no one was listening and that no one could stop them.
But David knew God was watching. God was not scared of those men, and God was not fooled by their lies. David said, “You, Lord, laugh at them, because you are much stronger than they are.” David knew God would not let his enemies win.
David said that God was his high tower, a strong place where he could be safe. Even in the middle of his trouble, David decided he would sing to God in the morning. He would thank God for His love and His strength, because God had always been there to help him.
Read It Together
Psalm 59:1
Deliver me from my enemies, my God. Set me on high from those who rise up against me.
(WEB)
Point out how David starts by asking God to rescue him. Explain that David talked to God the way we talk to a best friend or a parent when we need help. Ask children what they might say to God if they felt scared.
Psalm 59:9
Oh, my Strength, I watch for you, for God is my high tower.
(WEB)
Show children the picture of God as a high tower. Explain that a tower is a tall, strong place where you can climb up and be safe. Ask them to name a place where they feel safe at home or at school.
Psalm 59:10
My God will go before me with his loving kindness. God will let me look at my enemies in triumph.
(WEB)
Point out the words “loving kindness.” Explain that God shows us love that never runs out, even when we are afraid. Remind children that God goes before us and stays with us.
Talk About It
- What did David ask God to do when people were trying to hurt him?
- How do you think David felt when the men were waiting outside his house?
- What does it mean that God is like a high tower for us?
- Who is someone you can ask for help when you feel scared or left out?
- What is one thing you could say to God when you feel afraid?
Activity Ideas
Draw Your Safe Tower
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and tape. Ask each child to draw a tall tower with a window at the top, then write or draw a picture of who or what keeps them safe inside. Hang the drawings on the wall so the class can see how God keeps everyone safe together.
Tower Tag Game
You will need a chair, a open space, and a few soft balls or socks. Pick one child to be the “enemy” who tries to tag the others, and ask the rest to run to the chair, which is their “high tower.” Once they reach the chair, they are safe for a moment. Play a few rounds, then talk about how the chair helped them stay safe.
Safe Place Bag to Take Home
You will need a paper bag, a marker, and a few small items such as a sticker, a pebble, or a folded note. Have each child decorate the bag with the words “God is my high tower” and place one item inside as a reminder. Encourage families to read the bag together at bedtime and talk about one person or place that helps them feel safe.
Teacher Notes
Psalm 59 shows that God’s people can bring their fears honestly to Him, even when they are being treated unfairly. David does not pretend his situation is fine. He names his enemies, asks God to act, and still chooses to praise God in the morning. For adults, this is a model of prayer that is both raw and trusting.
Avoid telling children that God will always make bad people disappear or that trusting Him means nothing bad will ever happen to them. Some of the language in this psalm is strong and includes requests for judgment, so keep the focus on God’s protection and love rather than on punishment.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You are our high tower and our safe place. When people are unkind or we feel scared, help us run to You and talk to You like a friend. Thank You for Your loving kindness that goes with us every day. Help us trust You and sing Your praise, no matter what we face. Amen.
