In this lesson, children learn that God hears us when we are treated unfairly and that we can always run to Him for help. It suits ages 5 to 11 and takes 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, questions and one activity.
Big Idea
When people are mean to us, we can tell God all about it, and He will stand up for us. We can trust Him to be our helper and rescuer.
Memory Verse
Psalm 35:3
Brandish the spear and block those who pursue me. Tell my soul, “I am your salvation.”
(WEB)
Hold both hands up in front of your chest like you are holding a shield, then tap your chest twice on the words “I am your salvation.” Let the children copy you each time you say the verse.
The Story: Psalm 35 for Kids
King David wrote a prayer to God when people were being unkind to him. Some of these people were enemies who wanted to hurt him. David felt like they were trying to trap him, as if they had dug a hole and hidden a net for him to fall into. He did nothing wrong to them, but they still came after him.
David did not try to fight back with his own strength alone. Instead, he went to God and said, “Fight against those who fight against me.” He asked God to take hold of a shield and stand up to help him. David wanted God to be his rescuer, and he trusted that God would do what was right.
David also remembered his own kindness. When these people were sick, David felt sad for them. He fasted and prayed and wore rough sackcloth to show how much he cared. But when David was in trouble, his enemies laughed at him and gathered together to say unkind things. It hurt him deeply, and he cried out to God.
David finished his prayer with a promise. He said, “I will give you thanks in the great assembly.” He knew that God had seen everything and that God could be trusted. So David decided he would keep praising God in front of many people, no matter what happened.
Read It Together
Psalm 35:9
My soul shall be joyful in the LORD. It shall rejoice in his salvation.
(WEB)
Point out that David’s soul would be joyful in the Lord. Explain that joy can grow even when we are sad, because God is still with us and still good.
Psalm 35:17
Lord, how long will you look on? Rescue my soul from their destruction, my precious life from the lions.
(WEB)
Show the children that David was not afraid to ask God a question. Tell them they can talk to God honestly, even when they feel hurt or confused.
Psalm 35:27
Let them shout for joy and be glad, who favor my righteous cause. Yes, let them say continually, “The LORD be magnified, who has pleasure in the prosperity of his servant!”
(WEB)
Point out the words “let them shout for joy.” Explain that God loves to help His people, and when He does, we can celebrate and say how great He is.
Talk About It
- What did David feel when people were being unkind to him?
- What is one thing David asked God to do for him?
- Why do you think David wanted to keep praising God even when things were hard?
- Can you think of a time when someone was unfair to you? What could you do or say to God about it?
- How can we show kindness to people who are mean to us, like David did when his enemies were sick?
Activity Ideas
Paper Shield Craft
You will need paper plates, markers, crayons, glue and a popsicle stick or craft stick for each child. Have each child draw a picture of God as their shield on the front of the plate, then glue the stick to the back so they can hold it. Let them write or draw one thing they want to tell God when they feel hurt.
Shield and Rescue Game
Clear a space in the room and choose one child to be the person in trouble. The rest of the children stand in a circle around them, holding their paper shields from the craft if you made them. Each time the child in the middle says “God, help me,” the circle takes one step forward and shouts “God is our shield!” It is a simple way to act out God standing up for us.
Thankful Words at Home
You will need a small notebook or a sheet of paper and a pencil. Ask your child to write or draw one thing God did for them this week, and one way they will say thank you to Him. Encourage them to read it aloud at dinner or bedtime, just as David promised to give thanks in front of many people.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 35 shows that honest prayer can include anger, sorrow and a plea for justice, while still ending in trust and praise. David was not pretending his enemies were fine. He brought his real feelings to God and trusted Him to act righteously. This gives grown-ups permission to bring hard emotions before God.
With children, avoid overstating the violent language in the psalm, such as the talk of nets, pits and lions. Keep the focus on God as a protector and the choice to trust Him rather than take revenge. Do not suggest that God will always make our enemies disappear, because the psalm asks God for justice and rescue but leaves the outcome in His hands.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You see everything and You hear us when we are hurt. Help us trust You to stand up for us, and help us keep praising You even on hard days. Be our shield and our rescuer. Amen.
