This lesson teaches children that when they feel scared or treated unfairly, they can run to God, who is their shield and who always does what is right. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the discussion, and a short activity.
Big Idea
God is our shield. When people are unkind or unfair to us, we can run to God, trust him to make things right, and thank him for always being fair and good.
Memory Verse
Psalm 7:10
My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart.
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both arms out in front of their bodies, crossed at the wrists, like a shield. Say “My shield is with God” while they move their arms, then bring them down together on “who saves the upright in heart.”
The Story: Psalm 7 for Kids
King David wrote a song to God a long time ago. He was in trouble because some people were chasing him and wanted to hurt him. They were like hungry lions, and David felt very small and alone. He knew he could not save himself.
So David ran to God. He said, “Lord, my God, I trust you. Please save me from everyone who is chasing me.” David was honest about his own heart. He asked God to look at him and tell him if he had done anything wrong.
David also knew that God is a fair judge. He said, “Judge me, Lord, because I have tried to do what is right.” David asked God to stop the wicked people from being cruel, and to help the good people stay strong.
Some of the bad people had set traps for others. They dug a deep hole, but then they fell into it themselves. David saw that God makes wrong things come back on the people who do them. God is always fair.
At the end of his song, David did not feel scared anymore. He felt thankful. He said, “I will thank the Lord because he always does what is right. I will sing to his name.” David remembered that God was his shield.
Read It Together
Psalm 7:1
The LORD, my God, I take refuge in you. Save me from all those who pursue me, and deliver me…
(WEB)
Point out the words “I take refuge in you.” Ask the children what a refuge is, such as a safe place like a fort or a home. Explain that David ran to God the way we run to a safe place when we feel scared.
Psalm 7:9-10
9 Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous; their minds and hearts are searched by the righteous God. 10 My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart.
(WEB)
Show the children how God establishes the righteous and saves the upright in heart. Explain that God sees our hearts, and that he is the one who protects people who are trying to do good.
Psalm 7:17
I will give thanks to the LORD according to his righteousness, and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.
(WEB)
Point out how David ends his song with thanks and praise. Show the children that even after a hard time, we can finish by thanking God for who he is and for taking care of us.
Talk About It
- What is something that makes you feel scared, and what can you do when you feel that way?
- David asked God to help him. Who are some people you can ask for help when you need it?
- Why do you think God wants us to be honest with him about what is in our hearts?
- David said that the bad people fell into the trap they made. What do you think it means for God to be fair?
- What is something good God has done for you that you could thank him for today?
Activity Ideas
Paper Shield Craft
You will need paper plates, crayons or markers, string or yarn, and tape. Have each child draw or write something that helps them feel safe on the front of their plate, such as a family picture or the words “God is my shield.” Punch two holes on the sides, thread the yarn through, and tie it so they can hold the shield on their arm while they say the memory verse together.
Lions and Shield Game
Pick one child to be the shield and let them stand in the middle of the room. Choose two or three children to be the “lions” who try to reach the shield by walking slowly on tiptoe. Each time a lion gets close, the shield says “The Lord is my shield!” and the lions must go back to the starting line. Switch roles so everyone gets a turn.
Safe Place Reminder Card
Give each child an index card or a small piece of cardstock and a pencil. Ask them to write or draw one thing they can do when they feel scared, like praying or telling a grown-up. Let them take it home and tape it to a bedroom door or inside a school folder. Encourage them to read it aloud at bedtime that week.
Teacher Notes
Psalm 7 is a prayer from David, who was facing enemies who wanted to harm him, and he brought the whole situation to God. For adults, the psalm shows that it is right to bring honest complaints and fears to God, and also to trust him as the righteous judge who will deal with wickedness. David’s confidence rests on God’s character, not on his own perfection.
With children, avoid suggesting that God will always rescue us from every danger or that bad things happen only to bad people. Some of David’s language about enemies is strong, and it is helpful to explain that God cares about justice while also teaching children to love and forgive others.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, you are our shield and our safe place. When we feel scared or when people are unkind to us, help us run to you. Thank you that you are always fair and that you see our hearts. Help us trust you and thank you every day. Amen.
