Psalm 64 teaches children that God hears us when we are scared, and that he keeps us safe from people who try to hurt us with mean words and sneaky plans. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God hears us when we are scared, and he keeps safe the people who trust him. Mean words cannot win against God.
Memory Verse
Psalm 64:10
The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall take refuge in him. All the upright in heart shall praise him!
(WEB)
Teach the children to cup their hands together like a little house and then open them wide, lifting their arms high on the word “glad.” This motion helps them remember that trusting God brings joy and a safe place to rest.
The Story: Psalm 64 for Kids
King David wrote a song to God when he was in danger. Some enemies were talking together in secret and making a plan to hurt him. They did not want anyone to see what they were doing, so they hid their traps carefully. David felt scared, and he knew he could not protect himself from people who were so sneaky.
The enemies had mean tongues, and they used their words like sharp swords. They also aimed their hurtful words like arrows, hoping to strike David when he least expected it. They even said to each other, “Who will see us?” They thought nobody would notice their bad plans.
David did not hide his fear from God. He asked God to hear his voice and to protect his life. He prayed, “Hide me from these wicked people.” David trusted that God sees everything, even the things that people try to keep secret.
God did not let the enemies win. Their own tongues caused them trouble, and people around them shook their heads at what they had done. Everyone who saw this was afraid, and they began to talk about the great things God had done.
David ended his song with joy. The people who love God and do what is right can be glad in the Lord and run to him for safety. Everyone whose heart is honest can praise him. God keeps his people safe, and he is worthy of our praise.
Read It Together
Psalm 64:1
Hear my voice, God, in my complaint. Preserve my life from fear of the enemy.
(WEB)
Point out that David starts by talking to God and asking him to listen. Show the children that they can talk to God about being scared, just as David did, and that God hears every word.
Psalm 64:7-8
7 But God will shoot at them. They will be suddenly struck down with an arrow. 8 Their own tongues shall ruin them. All who see them will shake their heads.
(WEB)
Explain that the enemies’ own words came back to hurt them. Help the children see that God is faithful and can turn bad plans around so that people trust him more.
Talk About It
- What did David ask God to do when he felt scared?
- How can mean words hurt people, even when they are not sticks or stones?
- Why do you think the enemies thought nobody would see their bad plans?
- What did God do with the trouble the enemies made for themselves?
- When you feel afraid, what is one thing you can say to God?
Activity Ideas
Safe Place Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a picture of a safe place where they feel protected, like a house, a tree, or a big strong fort. Then have them write or draw one person or thing that reminds them God is their refuge. Let them share their drawings with the group.
Arrows and Shields Game
You will need a soft ball or balled-up socks and a chair or box to hide behind. One child stands across the room as the “enemy” and tosses the soft ball toward the others, who are “hiding” behind the chair. When the leader shouts “Safe in God!” everyone stops and crouches down behind the chair, showing that God protects them. Switch roles so everyone has a turn.
Trust Jar Take-Home
You will need a small jar or cup, paper strips, and a pen. Have each child write one time they felt scared and one thing they can ask God for. Place the strips in the jar and help the child take it home. At bedtime, invite the family to pull out one strip and pray about it together, reminding everyone that God hears them.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 64 shows that God hears the cries of his people when they face hidden threats, whether from enemies who speak falsely or from plans made in secret. It also reveals God’s justice, since he turns the harm people plan for others back on themselves, and it invites the faithful to find joy and refuge in him.
When teaching children, avoid suggesting that God will always make bad people suffer in the way they deserve, or that trusting God means nothing bad will ever happen to us. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and his nearness to those who call on him.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we are glad that you hear us when we are scared. Please keep us safe from mean words and sneaky plans. Help us to run to you and trust you every day. We praise you because you are good and strong. Amen.
