Leader Guide

Bible Study

Let’s read a Psalm that David wrote later in his life. We see that David continued to trust God in the battles that he faced. Have the children look up Psalm 144:1–2. Select seven children to read one line each aloud.

Praise the Lord, who is my rock.

He trains my hands for war

and gives my fingers skill for battle.

He is my loving ally and my fortress,

my tower of safety, my rescuer.

He is my shield, and I take refuge in Him.

He makes the nations submit to me.

Dig deeper into the scripture by asking these questions:

What comes to mind when you think of a rock? What do you think David meant when he said God is his rock?

David was a shepherd boy, yet he defeated Goliath. How do you think God trained his hands for battle? How does God train us for difficult situations that we will face?

An ally is a friend or a helper in battle. How does it make you feel to have God as your friend? Have you ever sensed that God was on your side?

What do you think it means for God to be a fortress and a tower of safety?

To take refuge means to find safety. Has God ever rescued you from something?

The last line says, He makes the nations submit to me. Who is in charge? When we face giant difficulties, how can it encourage us to know God is working behind the scenes in our battle as our ally?

Like David, we are never alone, and God “our rock” has not changed! We have a mighty fortress; a shield; and a friend who loves us, trains us, and goes with us wherever we go. When we read this psalm, we can be encouraged and strengthened for whatever battles we may face!