Note to the Teacher

The key word for this lesson is support. The discussion encourages students to think through times that make people feel vulnerable and need support and protection. The activity helps youth understand what might make others feel fear and how they can connect with God and other people in times of crisis. Times are based on a fifty-five-minute lesson period but may be adjusted.

ICEBREAKER/GAME/ORGANIZING ACTIVITY (15 minutes)

“51 Youth Ministry Games & Icebreakers”

READ SCRIPTURE (5 minutes)

Today's scripture reading involves the idea of “shelter and protection.” Remember, the Psalms are a collection of poetry that would have been sung or set to music.

Read Psalm 27 and listen to “Head Above Water” by Avril Lavigne (If you or the youth have other songs they would like to include or make links within discussions, please be creative. It simply takes a bit more planning.)

DISCUSSION (15 minutes)

What words do Psalm 27 and “Head Above Water” have in common? What do the scripture and song have to do with trusting God to provide shelter when we are vulnerable?
One of Psalm 27’s most famous lines is, “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” How have you heard that scripture used in stories, movies, and so on? What do you think the author of this psalm feared? Do you believe that fear is common for today’s people? (While youth might quickly go to fears like war, starvation, climate, or housing, the subtext of the psalm might be that the author is afraid of God not being there, which is a very human experience even today.)
The song "Head Above Water" describes someone crying out for help during struggle. Are there similar emotions in Psalm 27?
Have you ever felt you were “drowning” in challenges like the song describes? How do the words of Psalm 27 encourage you in those moments? Who could you look to for help in addition to God?
Compare how Psalm 27 and "Head Above Water" describe dealing with fear and uncertainty. What similarities do you notice? What differences?
The psalmist in Psalm 27 (verse 14) says, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart.” How does waiting on God compare to the emotions expressed in "Head Above Water"?
Some people believe faith means never being afraid, while others believe faith is trusting God even when we are afraid. What do you think? What do you think our church thinks?
If someone told you they felt far from God, what lesson from Psalm 27 or "Head Above Water" would you share with them to encourage their faith? Would you be comfortable sharing encouragement? Why or why not?

ACTIVITY AND DISCUSSION (20 minutes)

Take this lesson to the next level by having supplies to build simple forts. These could include pillows, cushions, bed sheets, pool noodles, and more. Encourage youth to connect with how they may have built forts when they were children and talk about why that seems to be a regular part of growing up. Why do we want to feel safe? What do we think we need protection from?

As the fort gets built, bring out paper (sticky notes would be ok) and writing utensils. On some papers, invite youth to write the things and people who provide protection and support. On other papers, invite youth to write things that young people fear or have concerns about.

Tape the notes for things that provide protection and support to the fort's structure. Have youth talk about the things they wrote that cause fear or concern. Crumple those papers up and throw them at the fort, noticing how they bounce off.

Close the discussion with something like, “We will all have times we need protection and support that we could not create on our own. This week, I hope you take a moment to recognize people who support you and your community and moments where you relied on God. I also hope that you have the chance to support others when they need it.

Close in the manner that is traditional for your group, including prayer.

TOTAL TIME: 55 minutes