This lesson teaches children that God hears us when we are scared or when people are being unkind, and that God keeps us safe. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God hears us when we are scared, and He keeps us safe. We can always run to Him, even when people say mean things about us.
Memory Verse
Psalm 64:1
Hear my voice, God, in my complaint. Preserve my life from fear of the enemy.
(WEB)
Cup your hands by your ears like you are listening hard. Then hold your hands out in front of you, palms up, like you are giving something to God. Say the words slowly with the motions, and do it together three times.
The Story: Psalm 64 for Kids
King David wrote this song when he was in danger. Some enemies were making secret plans to hurt him. They were not honest people. They hid their plans and whispered about them behind closed doors.
These enemies used their words like weapons. Their mouths were sharp like swords, and their words flew at David like arrows. They wanted to hurt good people who had done nothing wrong. They thought nobody would ever see what they were doing.
David knew who could help him. He prayed and asked God to hear him. He said, “Please hide me from these people who want to hurt me.” David did not pretend he was brave. He told God the truth about how scared he felt.
The story has a surprise ending. God saw everything the enemies did. God did not let their plans succeed. The very words they had used to hurt others came back on them, and everyone who saw it was amazed.
After this, people everywhere began to talk about what God had done. They wanted to think carefully about how powerful and fair He is. The people who loved God felt glad, and they ran to Him for safety.
Read It Together
Psalm 64:2
Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from the noisy crowd of the ones doing evil…
(WEB)
Point out that David asks God to hide him from people who want to hurt him. Ask children what it feels like to want a safe place to hide when they are scared. Help them see that David ran to God instead of trying to fight alone.
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)
Show children that God is the one who answers the enemies in these verses. Explain that the wicked people’s own words end up causing their trouble. Remind them that God is in charge even when bad things seem to be winning.
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)
Point out the word “glad” and the word “refuge.” Explain that a refuge is a safe place, and that people who trust God can be happy because He is their safe place. Ask children to find the word “refuge” in the verse.
Talk About It
- What is something that makes you feel scared, and what can you do when you feel scared?
- How did David talk to God when he was in trouble?
- Why do you think mean words can hurt people almost like arrows?
- What does it mean that God can hear us even when no one else does?
- How can you remind yourself that God is your safe place this week?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Safe Place
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a picture of a place where they feel safe, such as a bedroom, a grandparent’s lap, or a playground. Then write or draw a small heart in the corner to show that God is with them there. Let children explain their pictures to the group.
Arrow Toss Game
You will need a few paper cups, a soft ball or beanbag, and tape to make a line on the floor. Set the cups in a row and have children stand behind the tape. Each time a child tosses the ball into a cup, have them say one kind word that could help someone feel safe. This shows how words can build up instead of tear down.
Safe Place Card
You will need an index card, a marker, and a small piece of tape or a clip. Help each child write “God hears me” on one side and draw a simple shield or house on the other. Encourage them to tape it inside a backpack, lunchbox, or on a bedroom mirror. This gives them a reminder to pray whenever they feel scared at home or school.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 64 shows that God hears the prayers of people who face hidden plots and unkind words. It teaches that the righteous can find safety and joy in God even when others plan harm. Adults may also notice that the psalm does not hide David’s fear, which gives honest permission to bring our real feelings to God.
Avoid suggesting to children that God will always stop bad people right away or that prayer guarantees they will never be treated unfairly. Keep the focus on God being their safe place and on Him hearing them. The psalm speaks of God’s justice and faithfulness, not of promises about how every situation will turn out.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for hearing us when we are scared or when people are unkind to us. Help us run to You as our safe place, and help us use kind words instead of hurtful ones. Keep us close to You every day. Amen.
