In this lesson, children learn that God judges wrong and keeps his people safe, so they can trust him even when the world seems scary. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God sees every unfair thing people do, and he is always a safe place for the people who belong to him. We can trust him to take care of us.
Memory Verse
Joel 3:16
The LORD will roar from Zion, and thunder from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth will shake; but the LORD will be a refuge to his people, and a stronghold to the children of Israel.
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both hands up in front of their chest, then put them together like a little house roof. Say “The Lord is a safe place” as you make the roof shape. Repeat it three times together, lowering your hands on each word “safe.”
The Story: Joel 3 for Kids
Long ago, the prophet Joel told the people of Judah and Jerusalem something amazing from God. God said a day was coming when he would bring back his people who had been scattered far away. Some of them had been treated very badly, and their land had been taken from them. God promised he had not forgotten them.
God said he would gather all the nations together in a valley called Jehoshaphat. The nations had been unkind to his people. They had taken what did not belong to them, and they had sold children as if they were things. God told them that he saw all of it, and that he would be the one to judge what they had done.
Then God spoke to the nations through Joel, telling them to get ready for a fight. He said the farmers should turn their plowshares into swords. Those tools used for growing food would become tools for battle. Everyone was called to come and stand before God.
But the story did not end with the nations. When the great day came, God himself roared from Zion, and the whole earth shook. Yet God was a refuge and a stronghold to his people, a place to hide and be strong. He said, “So you will know that I am the Lord, your God, dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain.”
After that, God promised something beautiful. The mountains would drip with sweet wine, the hills would overflow with milk, and streams of water would flow through the land. A fountain would flow out from God’s house, bringing life everywhere. God’s people would live in Jerusalem forever, and God would make them clean.
Read It Together
Joel 3:1
“For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem…
(WEB)
Point out the words “when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem.” Explain that restore means to make things right and bring back what was lost. Tell the children that God keeps his promises even when it takes a long time.
Joel 3:18
It will happen in that day, that the mountains will drop down sweet wine, the hills will flow with milk, all the brooks of Judah will flow with waters, and a fountain will flow out from the LORD’s house, and will water the valley of Shittim.
(WEB)
Show the children how this verse paints a picture of a happy, full land with plenty to eat and drink. Ask them to imagine walking on hills that flow with milk. Explain that God wants his people to have good things and that he gives life freely.
Joel 3:20
But Judah will be inhabited forever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation.
(WEB)
Point out the words “will be inhabited forever.” Tell the children that God’s love for his people does not run out. Explain that they belong to God for always, and he does not let go.
Talk About It
- What is one thing you think God sees when people are unkind to others?
- How do you think the people of Judah felt when God promised to bring them home?
- What does it mean that God is a safe place for his people?
- Why do you think God wanted the farmers to make swords out of their plow tools?
- When have you felt safe, and how can you remember that God keeps you safe too?
Activity Ideas
Paper House Craft
You will need construction paper, crayons, scissors, and glue. Have each child cut a square and fold the top into a triangle to make a simple house roof. Let them draw a picture of God as their safe place on the inside of the house. Explain that the house reminds us that God protects us like a strong home.
Stronghold Freeze Game
Mark a “safe place” in one corner of a room or yard using a blanket or chair. Have children run around and pretend to be scared of a pretend storm. When you call “Thunder!”, they must run to the safe place and freeze. Talk about how God is our refuge when things feel frightening.
Refuge Reminder Card
You will need index cards, markers, and a hole punch with string. Have each child write or draw “The Lord is a safe place for me” on a card. Punch a hole in the corner and tie on the string so they can wear it or hang it on their bedroom door. Encourage them to read it at night when they feel worried.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter speaks of God’s justice toward nations that have harmed his people, and of his promise to restore and dwell with them. It shows that God sees injustice and will act, while also remaining a refuge for those who trust him. The imagery of abundance points to the restoration God brings to his people.
Avoid overstating to children the details about the nations being judged or the battle imagery. Keep the focus on God being a safe place and keeping his promises, rather than on fear of punishment or on predicting future events.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you see everything and that you always keep your promises. Thank you that you are our safe place when we feel scared. Help us to trust you and to remember that we belong to you forever. Amen.
