This lesson teaches children that God is a safe place to run to when they are scared, and it works for children ages 5 to 11. Plan for about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the reading, and one activity.
Big Idea
When we are scared, we can run to God, because he keeps us safe like a mother bird keeps her babies under her wings.
Memory Verse
Psalm 57:1
Be merciful to me, God, be merciful to me, for my soul takes refuge in you. Yes, in the shadow of your wings, I will take refuge, until disaster has passed.
(WEB)
Have the children cup their hands together in front of their chests, then slowly spread their arms wide like wings as they say the words together. Repeat it three times, getting a little softer each time, until they can whisper it with their eyes closed.
The Story: Psalm 57 for Kids
King David was in a cave, and he was very scared. King Saul wanted to hurt him, and Saul had soldiers hunting for David everywhere. David could not hide from them on his own, and he felt like a little bird with no nest.
So David did the bravest thing he knew. He prayed. He said, “God, be kind to me, because I run to you for safety.” David knew God was higher than any mountain and bigger than any army. He called out to God, the one who always helps his people.
David was still in danger, but he trusted God. He felt like he was tucked under a big, strong wing. He said that God would send help from heaven, and God’s love and truth would be with him. David did not feel brave because he was strong. He felt brave because God was close.
David’s enemies had set a trap for him, a hidden pit to catch him. But David knew God was watching. The trap did not work, because the people who set it fell into it themselves. God made sure David was kept safe.
After that, David was so thankful that his heart was full. He said, “My heart is ready, God! I will sing!” He told his harp and lute to wake up, and he sang as the sun came up. He wanted every nation to hear how good God is.
David finished by asking God to be lifted up above the sky and seen all over the world. His song was about how big and kind God is, and how God’s love reaches higher than the clouds.
Read It Together
Psalm 57:2
I cry out to God Most High, to God who accomplishes my requests for me.
(WEB)
Point out that David says he cries out to God, and that God takes care of his needs. Ask the children what they might cry out to God about when they feel worried.
Psalm 57:3
He will send from heaven, and save me, he rebukes the one who is pursuing me. Selah. God will send out his loving kindness and his truth.
(WEB)
Show that God sends help from heaven and sends his love and truth to protect David. Explain that God’s love and truth are always coming to us, even when we cannot see them.
Psalm 57:8
Wake up, my glory! Wake up, lute and harp! I will wake up the dawn.
(WEB)
Let the children see that David wakes up with a song in his heart. Point out that worship can start early in the day, and that it is a happy way to thank God for taking care of us.
Talk About It
- What is something that makes you feel scared, and what could you say to God about it?
- How did David feel safe even while his enemies were close by?
- What does it feel like to be covered by someone’s wings or arms?
- Why do you think David wanted to sing even though he was still in danger?
- Who are some people God uses to help keep you safe?
Activity Ideas
Paper Bird Nest Craft
You will need a paper plate, brown or green crayons, cotton balls, and glue. Have each child draw a nest in the middle of the plate, then glue cotton balls inside it as soft bedding. Let them draw a small bird and tape it into the nest, and talk about how God keeps us safe like a bird’s nest keeps its little ones.
Shadow of the Wings Game
Clear a space in the room and have the children stand in a circle. Call out “Shelter!” and everyone runs to the middle, spreads their arms like wings, and makes a small circle around one child. Then switch roles, so every child gets a turn being covered and feeling safe.
Safe Place Card to Take Home
Give each child an index card and a pencil, and ask them to write or draw one thing they are afraid of this week. On the back, have them draw a little set of wings and write the memory verse. Encourage them to keep the card on their nightstand and say it before bed.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 57 shows that trust in God can grow even in the middle of real danger. David does not pretend the danger is gone; he prays honestly, sings in faith, and trusts God’s character. This is a helpful model for grown-ups facing hard seasons.
With children, avoid promising that God will always remove every scary thing right away. Instead, focus on the truth that God is with us and keeps us close, even when life is hard.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, we run to you when we feel scared, and we thank you that you keep us safe under your wings. Help us remember that you are always close, even when we cannot see you. Teach us to sing to you when we feel brave and when we feel afraid. Amen.
