Preschool Lesson: David Trusts God (2 Samuel 5:1-5; Psalm 37)

Lesson Title:  David Trusts God
Bible Reference: 2 Samuel 5:1-5; Psalm 37
Target Age Group: Preschool
Learning Context: Children’s Church
Target Time Frame: 1 ½ hour
Gospel Connection: David was chosen to be king when he was just a child, but his road to the throne was not easy. Along the way he had to fight Goliath, escape from Saul, and lead Israel’s army. He needed God’s help to succeed. Today, preschoolers will learn that God helps us.
Learning Aim:  God Helps Us.
Materials Needed:

1. Paper Plates
2. Cotton Balls
3. Bible
4. Rhythm Sticks (or pencils or popsicle sticks)
5. Large plastic container
6. Small toys
7. Waterproof gloves
8. Paper
9. Crayons

Bible Story
Open your Bible to 2 Samuel 5:1-5.
Say, Saul was king of the Israelites for many years before he made a mistake and God decided that Israel needed a new King. God picked David to be the new king of Israel whenever he was still a little kid. For many years he led Israel’s armies and proved that he was worthy to be king. Whenever he was 30 years old the elders of the tribe of Israel made David king. God picked David to be king and helped him lead Israel.
God knew what was best for Israel, which is why he picked David to be King. The Bible tells us that God helps us. We can always trust God to help us no matter how big or small our problems are!
Helping Game
Give each child a paper plate with 4 or 5 cotton balls on it. First, they will walk from one side of the room to the other while making sure the cotton balls do not fall of the plate. They may not touch the cotton balls, only the plate. The first walk across the room should be pretty easy. For the next few walks make it a little harder. Ask them to carry the plate across the room while hopping, skipping, backwards, with the plate over their heads, and while spinning. They may not touch their cotton balls at any time. If they fall of the plate they must stop and ask a teacher or a friend for help. Likewise, they can help other.
Say, How did it feel whenever the cotton balls fell of the plate and you were not allowed to touch them? Let the kids answer. How did it feel knowing that your teacher or friend was going to help you? And how did it feel whenever you helped others? Let the kids answer. In our story today we learned that God helped David be a good leader for Israel. Whenever you need help, no matter how big or small your problem is, remember that God helps us!   
Praise God with Rhythm Sticks
Explain that in addition to being the king, David wrote songs called Psalms that praised God. God helped David and so he couldn’t help but worship God for being so good to him. Open your Bible to Psalm 37 and show them what the Psalm looks like. Read Psalm 37 to them. (If they are restless it’s ok to stop at verse 7 because this is Psalm is very long and the kids attention span is short.)
Then use rhythm sticks to make your own ‘praise music’ for God. Give each child a rhythm stick (pencils or popsicle sticks work fine for this also). First the teacher will tap out a simple rhythm. Then the kids will try to repeat it.
Say, We have a wonderful God who helps us! He deserves our praises whether we are singing songs or making music with sticks. David praised God by singing to Him and you can praise God that way as well.    
Trusted Gloves
Fill a sensory bin or large plastic box with water and small toys. Have several pairs of waterproof gloves ready.
Say, I want to play with these toys but I don’t want to get my hands wet. I need something to help me. I am going to use these gloves to help me.
Show how the gloves help you keep your hands dry whenever playing with the toys.
Say, I trust that these gloves will keep my hands dry when I play in the water. I also trust that God will help me whenever I need help. Just like these gloves, I know 100 percent that God will be there to always help me and protect me.
Draw King David
Provide the class with paper and crayons and have them draw King David. Encourage them to draw a crown with colorful jewels on his head. Write God Helps Us on each picture. Encourage the kids to hang the picture somewhere that will remind them that God Helps Us.
Closing the Lesson
Say, David trusted and obeyed God because he knew that God was always right and always helps us. God picked David to be king and lead Israel. David had a lot of help from God when he was fighting Goliath, leading Israel’s army, and trying to escape from Saul. What can God help you with?
Let the kids share their answers and then close in prayer, asking God to help them.