The children will learn that God is our Protector.
by Leah Pittsinger
TOPICS
God's Protection
AS KIDS ARRIVE (10 minutes)
Mighty Fortress Maze - Easy (Activity) Click here
WORSHIP TIME (5 minutes)
Further info? Click here
BIBLE VERSE (5 minutes)
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 NIV
Read the verse to the class. Then read the verse while performing the follow motions:
“Whoever dwells in the shelter” – Form a house top over your head with your hands.
“of the Most High” – Point to the sky.
“will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” – Form a pillow with your hands and lay your head on your hands.
BIBLE STORY (15 minutes)
Introduction:Today we are going to discuss God’s protection. But first, can you name something that protects us from harm (shields, structures/houses, other people, etc)? We know we need protection from things such as the weather, sickness, and even bad guys, but how else does God protect us? Today we will learn how, and why, God protects us from Satan and the evil in the world.
Read Psalm 91:1-8 (God is our Protector.)
Discussion Questions:
1. What is a shadow? (The projected shape of an object when there is light on one side.)
2. What does God’s “shadow” give us? (Shelter and rest.)
3. Do we need to be near or far from God to be in His shadow? (Near.)
4. Why would we want to be near to God? (Because He is our Mighty Fortress and Protector.)
5. How do we stay near to Him? (Through obedience, prayer, reading the Bible, etc.)
6. How does God protect us from evil? (He saves us from death, our fears, sickness, punishment, etc.)
7. What animal is used to compare God’s protection? (A bird, verse 4 – “He will cover you with His feathers.”)
8. What does this teach us about God’s desire to protect us? (That He wants to shield us from danger.)
9. So, how is God a Mighty Fortress for us? (Because when we know God and draw near to Him, He will protect us like a fortress protects the people inside.)
10. Why does He protect us? (Because of His great love!)
Conclusion: The Bible teaches us that drawing near to God will give us His perfect protection. God acts as a Mighty Fortress, or shield, between us and evil. And when we trust in God’s protection, we don’t have to fear what could happen to us. When we become children of God by accepting His free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, God promises to be our Mighty Fortress.
FUN TIME (10 minutes)
Fortress Flags (Craft) Click here
ALTERNATE FUN TIME (10 minutes)
Shadow Shapes (Activity) Click here
PRAYER/SNACK (10 minutes)
Further info? Click here
Lead the children in a short prayer and then pass out a healthy snack. Listen to songs such as “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” (hymn), “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands,” and “My God is So Big,” while enjoying the snack. Tell the class that listening to songs about God’s protection is a great way we can learn to trust that He is our Mighty Fortress.
CLOSING ACTIVITY (10 minutes)
Gather the following items and display them on a table: nails/screws, small pieces of wood, hammer/screwdriver, and a Bible. Ask the children to think about how we could use the items (ultimately to build something, such as a fortress). Point out that the Bible seems to be out of place, but it is actually the most important part! While the other items would build a physical fortress, the Bible is what we truly need since God is our Mighty Fortress. So, when we’re scared or worried about what could happen, we can read God’s Word and pray, and He will protect us.
NEXT WEEK
Come back next week for another lesson about the Lord’s Prayer!
TAKE HOME PAGE
Give one copy to each child at the end of the class to take home [PDF]. Click here