Like a tree planted by streams of water

Psalm 1

1 Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
2 but whose delight is in the law of the LORD,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.
4 Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.


It is indeed difficult to be in this world and not be of this world. We get caught up in the rat race, in the pursuit of material gains that we forget we are only here for awhile. It is sad to see children being left alone with nannies while their parents continue their climb of the corporate ladder, hoping to get higher, earn more so that their children could have more than they had...Yet, all the children want is to have their parents home. Instead they are surrounded with expensive toys, things that bring them pleasure for awhile and they hunger for more...In the meantime, they are brought up by their maids. Are we surprised then when our children end up like a total stranger, with values that are far beyond our understanding? We are guilty of letting the computer and television be the babysitter.

I am blessed that my two sons love the Lord and it is by grace and grace alone. When they were young, we were too busy in our own career to bring them up spiritually and that is the part I regret the most. If parents struggle with their own spirituality, how could they lead their children? But I did try my best to bring them to Sunday School, to pray with them, to encourage them to read the Bible. Going to church was not an option. My sons knew that from very young. Come what may (exams or no), we made sure everyone is in church each Sunday. Biblical principles also rule at home. Ultimately, we all want to be like the tree that is planted by the waters, bearing fruit. And it is my prayer, that my sons will grow and take delight in God.