Psalm 91:1-6, New International Reader's Version

91 Whoever rests in the shadow of the Most High God
will be kept safe by the Mighty One.
2 I will say about the Lord,
“He is my place of safety.
He is like a fort to me.
He is my God. I trust in him.”
3 He will certainly save you from hidden traps
and from deadly sickness.
4 He will cover you with his wings.
Under the feathers of his wings you will find safety.
He is faithful. He will keep you safe like a shield or a tower.
5 You won’t have to be afraid of the terrors that come during the night.
You won’t have to fear the arrows that come at you during the day.
6 You won’t have to be afraid of the sickness that attacks in the darkness.
You won’t have to fear the plague that destroys at noon.

Psalm 91:14-16, New International Reader's Version

14 The Lord says, “I will save the one who loves me.
I will keep him safe, because he trusts in me.
15 He will call out to me, and I will answer him.
I will be with him in times of trouble.
I will save him and honor him.
16 I will give him a long and full life.
I will save him.”

Fill in the blank:

God ____ me (fill in: always helps)

Objects:

Small toy figure of a person; bubble wrap or moving blanket.

Message:

Good morning, friends! I have a question for you: “What do you do when you’re scared or need help?” (Let the children respond: “Call for Mom,” “Get a hug,” “Cry,” etc.) Those are all good answers, and it’s totally okay to choose to do any of those things. Everyone needs help sometimes, even grown-ups. Today, we’re going to learn something special about God.

That something special is that God always helps me.
Let’s say that together:
“God… always helps… me!”

(Show the children the small figure and the bubble wrap or blanket.)

Let’s pretend that this little toy figure is you. Sometimes wind, or loud thunder, or other things make you feel unsure and scared. How can we protect this toy and make it safe? (Place the bubble wrap around the figure or wrap it in the blanket.) Wrapping this figure up will make it safe.

Today’s scripture is from Psalm 91,

“Whoever rests in the shadow of the Most High God will be kept safe by the Mighty One…
God will cover you with his wings. Under them you will find safety.”

Isn’t that beautiful? Like a bird protecting her babies, God wraps God’s love around you.

And when we call out to God? God answers by saying, “I will rescue them. I will protect them. I will be with them in trouble… and show them my saving power.”

It’s time to fill in our blank. (Hold up THE sign: “God ______ me.”)

Can anyone guess the missing words today? Notice that I said “words.” There are two words again this week! Can you guess those words? (Let children guess: loves, helps, saves, hugs.) Those are great guesses! Today, our fill-in-the-blank words are, “God always helps me.”

That means God doesn’t wait or hide. God shows up every time we call.

To help us remember today’s words, let’s play a game called “Safe Place.”

When I say “storm,” I want you to move your arms like blowing wind. When I say “God,” wrap yourself up in a big hug to help you know that God’s arms are around you, just as the bubble wrap/blanket wraps the little figure.

When I say “thunder,” put your hands over your ears because thunder is loud. But, when I say “God,” wrap yourself up in a big hug again.

When I say, “The lights went out,” cover your eyes with your hands. But, when I say “God,” wrap yourself up in a big hug.

Are you ready to try?

“The storm was big…, but God wrapped me up!”
“The thunder boomed…, but God kept me safe!”
“The lights went out…, but God never left me!”

Let’s do it one more time:

Storm… God!
Thunder… God!
Lights… God!

Psalm 91 teaches us:

God protects you.
God hears you.
God stays with you.
God always helps you.

Over the past few weeks, we have learned through readings from the Psalms that even when things change or get scary, or we make mistakes, God still loves us, stays with us, and wants to help us. We can always talk to God because God made us, knows us, and promises to keep us safe. We can talk to God anytime, anywhere, and God listens and cares.

So, let’s talk to God now.

Prayer:

God,
Thank you for being my safe place.
Thank you for helping me
When I’m scared,
When I’m worried,
Or when I need someone…
You’re always there.
I love you, God.
Amen.

Between the Sundays: Family Conversation Starters

Designed to reinforce the children’s message throughout the week.

We’ve created these conversation starters and activity ideas to help spark meaningful, faith-filled discussions at home. Each week, your child will come home with a phrase: “God ______ me.” Use the weekly word to guide your talks, drawings, and prayers—anytime and anywhere!

These moments will help nurture trust in God, encourage reflection, and grow faith across the whole family.

God Always Helps Me

Big Reminder: God protects me and listens when I call!

Psalm 91:14, NIRV

14 The Lord says, “I will save the one who loves me.
I will keep him safe, because he trusts in me.”

On a large piece of paper, complete the following:

Fill in the blank: God _____________ (always helps) me.
Draw a picture of something that scares you.
Now, draw God helping you or standing beside you.

Let’s Talk About It

What scares you sometimes?
Who do you go to for help?
How do you think God helps us when we’re scared?
Say a prayer: “Thank you, God, for always helping me."

Weekly Family Game: “God _____ Me”

Use this sentence each week: “God ______ me.”

Let your child fill in the blank with any words they remember:

“God loves me!” “God hears me!” “God helps me!” “God made me!” How many can you add to the list throughout the week? Play this game while driving (or riding), at dinner, or before bed. Let everyone in the family take turns.