Families Praying & Growing Roots Together

Psalm 1:3: And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

This verse describes the blessedness of the righteous, who delight in the law of the Lord and meditate on it day and night. They are like trees that are planted by the rivers of water, which means that they have a constant source of nourishment and refreshment. They bring forth fruit in their season, which means that they produce good works and godly character at the right time and in the right way. Their leaf also shall not wither, which means that they do not lose their vitality or beauty. And whatsoever they do shall prosper, which means that they have God’s favor and blessing on their endeavors.

This is truth exemplified, and even more when you have children. It’s so important to bring up children in the LORD. I can give you a personal example of two families.

One family with three children are Christians only on “paper.” You know to what I refer – they’re Christians- but don’t practice it on a daily basis. Don’t spend time in the Word or give their children a basis or foundation of Christ in which to live or believe.

Ostensibly- the other family who has two children-are devout Christians. They are in the Word; the children go to Bible study classes and attend Bible camp. They’re bringing the children up with a strong foundation in Christ, and a hardy steadfast belief system fully in place.

Now – the contrast between these two families pertaining to their children is glaringly obvious and striking! The children in Christ seem to handle things a lot easier when difficulties arise. They are doing exceedingly well in their classes, get high grades, have lots of friends. Whereas the other children are having behavioral issues and seem to be almost lost in the world. Lost is the best way to describe them. Lost.

Christianity is so important to anyone – especially with children. Growing roots in God is very important for families with children, especially in a world that is full of challenges and temptations.

Growing roots in God helps families to establish a firm and stable foundation for their lives. Just as plants need roots to anchor them to the soil and receive nourishment, families need to be rooted in God’s love and truth to withstand the storms of life and thrive in His grace.

Ephesians 3:17-19– “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.”

Growing roots in God helps families to pass on their faith to the next generation. God commands parents to teach their children. His commandments and His ways and to model His character and His love.

As Deuteronomy 6:6-7 states- “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”

By growing roots in God, parents can equip their children to follow Him and to share His gospel with others. Growing roots in God helps families to enjoy His blessings and His presence. God promises to reward those who seek Him and obey Him, and to be with them always.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 says, “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.”

By growing roots in God, families can experience His peace, joy, and fruitfulness in their lives. Growing roots in God is not always easy, but it is always worth it.

Families can grow roots in God by reading and studying the Bible, praying and worshipping together, serving and loving others, and joining a community of believers who can support and encourage them. By doing these things, families can grow exponentially in the LORD. And live fruitful lives. And living for God is a life worth living. Because CHRIST is LIFE.

 Ephesians 3:14-15: For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named.

This verse shows us that God is the source and the head of the whole family, both in heaven and on earth. He is the one who gives us our identity and our inheritance as His children. He is also the one who unites us with all the saints who have gone before us and who will come after us. We are part of a large and diverse family that spans across time and space, and we owe our gratitude and reverence to God.

Proverbs 22:6: Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

This verse teaches us the importance of raising our children in the fear and the knowledge of the Lord. We should teach them the principles and the practices of godliness from an early age, and model them in our own lives. We should also pray for them and guide them in their spiritual growth. By doing so, we can help them to develop strong roots in God that will sustain them throughout their lives.

 Joshua 24:15: And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

This verse challenges us to make a clear and deliberate choice to serve the Lord and to lead our families in doing the same. We should not follow the idols or the customs of the world, but we should follow the commands and the covenant of God.

We should also declare our allegiance and our commitment to God publicly and boldly, and not be ashamed of our faith. We should make our homes a place where God is honored and worshiped. And bring the daily bread to the table, for our children – and for others who wish to partake in His goodness.

Is the LORD a big part of your life at home and outside? Are your children immersed in the Word and find comfort in their faith and love of God?

“Father, thank You for my upbringing from birth to now as I have been blessed by having known you my whole life, having had parents who were God loving folk,  and I thank You for the roots that have grown more each day as I meditate on Your Word, speak with You, and trust You for all things in my life, and for my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”