Psalms 23
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Long ago there lived a shepherd. His name was David. David had lots of sheep. Big sheep, little sheep, woolly sheep. He took good care of them.
David knew: sheep need a lot. They need grass. They need water. They need a safe place. And they need someone who watches over them. Day and night.
One day David thought about God. And he thought: God takes care of me. Just like I take care of my sheep! And David made a song about it.
This is what David sang:
The Lord is my shepherd. I have everything I need. He lets me lie down in soft, green grass. He walks with me to quiet water. Even when it is dark, I am not scared. Because God is with me.
What Does This Mean?
David felt safe. Very safe. Like a little sheep next to a big, strong shepherd.
Do you know what a shepherd does? A shepherd looks after his sheep. He knows every sheep. He knows their names. He counts them. One, two, three, four… Is everyone here? Yes! Good.
At night the shepherd sleeps close to the sheep. If a wolf comes, the shepherd chases him away. The sheep do not have to be afraid. The shepherd is there.
That is what God is like, said David. God looks after me. God knows me. God is close by.
The Common Thread
Later, much later, Jesus came. And do you know what Jesus said? Listen carefully.
Jesus said: I am the Good Shepherd.
Jesus is like a shepherd too. He knows you. He knows your name. He watches over you. In the daytime. And at night, when it is dark in your room. Jesus is there.
Even the very big sheep, the grown-ups, are watched over by Jesus. And the tiny little sheep too. That is you.
For You
Sometimes it is dark. In your bed, under the covers. Or in the hallway when the light is off. Then you can feel a little scared.
But listen. God is with you. Just like the shepherd with his sheep. You do not have to be brave all by yourself. God is close.
And when you are hungry, God gives food. When you are thirsty, God gives water. When you are tired, you may sleep. Nice and soft, like a little sheep in the green grass.
God takes care of you. Every day. And every night.
Talk About It
What does a shepherd do for his sheep?
When are you sometimes a little scared? Do you know that God is with you then?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Thank You that You are like a shepherd. Thank You that You know me. When I am scared, You are there. When I sleep, You are there. I am Your little sheep.
Amen.
Questions about Psalms 23
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Psalms 23 about?
What does Psalms 23 say?
What does Psalms 23 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Psalms 23?
Why is Psalms 23 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
When I read Psalm 23 with the loss of my father still fresh in my memory, verse 4 struck me most of all: even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me. It was not a band-aid but a hand on my shoulder.
Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life." Follow, as in pursue. Two things are walking behind you right now, and neither of them is your past. You keep glancing back, bracing for what's gaining on you. It's mercy. All the days, even the ones you'd rather forget.
Looking for something for slightly older children?
We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).
Open in the Children's Bible tool
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