In Isaiah 12, God’s people sing a song of thanks because God comforts them, saves them, and is strong for them. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God comforts us and saves us, so we can thank him and sing about how good he is.
Memory Verse
Isaiah 12:2
Behold, God is my salvation. I will trust, and will not be afraid; for Yah, the LORD, is my strength and song; and he has become my salvation.”
(WEB)
Teach the children to cup both hands together in front of their chest, then lift them up and open them wide like a happy song is coming out. Say the verse together while you do the motion, then do it again with a whisper, then a shout.
The Story: Isaiah 12 for Kids
Long ago, God’s people had made him very sad. They had turned away from him, and God was angry about it. But God did not stay angry forever. He chose to comfort his people and bring them back to himself.
The prophet Isaiah told the people what would one day happen. He said that a time was coming when they would look back and say, “Thank you, LORD.” Their anger toward God would be gone, and God’s comfort would fill their hearts instead.
Isaiah said that God is their salvation. Salvation means being rescued and made safe. The people would not need to be afraid, because the LORD was their strength and their song. Isaiah pictured them happily pulling up water from a well, because God had given them everything they needed to be refreshed.
Then Isaiah told them what to do. “Give thanks to the LORD!” he said. “Call on his name. Tell the other nations what he has done. Sing to the LORD, because he has done wonderful things.” Everyone was invited to shout and celebrate, because the Holy One of Israel was great among them.
Read It Together
Isaiah 12:1
In that day you will say, “I will give thanks to you, the LORD; for though you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you comfort me.
(WEB)
Point out the words “I will give thanks.” Ask the children what they might thank God for today. Show them that thanking God can start right where they are, even on an ordinary day.
Isaiah 12:3
Therefore with joy you will draw water out of the wells of salvation.
(WEB)
Point out the picture of drawing water from wells. Explain that water is something people need every day, and God’s salvation is like that. It refreshes us and keeps us going, so we can feel joy.
Isaiah 12:4-5
4 In that day you will say, “Give thanks to the LORD! Call on his name. Declare his doings among the peoples. Proclaim that his name is exalted! 5 Sing to the LORD, for he has done excellent things! Let this be known in all the earth!
(WEB)
Point out the words “Sing to the LORD” and “Declare his doings.” Show the children that God’s goodness is something to tell others about, not just keep to ourselves. Invite them to name one good thing God has done.
Talk About It
- What is one thing that made you feel comforted when you were sad or scared?
- Why do you think God wants his people to sing and give thanks to him?
- What does it mean to you that God is your strength?
- Who is someone you could tell about how good God is?
- What is one way you can say thank you to God this week?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Well of Salvation
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a well with a bucket and some water inside, then write or draw one thing God has given them. Let them explain their picture to the group and hang the pictures on a wall so the class can see many gifts from God together.
Shout and Sing Game
You will need a open space and a simple song everyone knows. Have the children stand in a circle and sing the chorus, then pause and let one child call out something God has done. The group shouts “Thank you, LORD!” and everyone claps before the next child takes a turn. This helps them practice calling out God’s goodness.
Take-Home Thank You Card
You will need an index card, a marker, and a sticker or two for each child. Ask them to write “Thank you, God, for” on the front and finish the sentence with one thing they are thankful for. Encourage them to share the card with a parent or friend at home and read it together at dinner.
Teacher Notes
Isaiah 12 is a song of thanks that God’s people sing after he has turned away his anger and comforted them. For adults, it shows that God’s anger toward sin is real, yet his comfort and salvation come in the end. The chapter invites us to trust God as our strength, and to praise him openly and tell others about him.
With children, avoid overstating the details about when and how these events unfold. Keep the focus on the simple truth that God comforts his people and is worthy of our thanks, and let them connect it to their own experience of being cared for.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for comforting us when we are sad and for being our salvation and strength. Help us to trust you and not be afraid. Teach us to sing and tell others about how good you are. Amen.
