Dear Church of the Open Door Family,

Sometimes as I sit with my family at the dinner table and look at all their precious faces, I’m filled with anxiety. I wonder if Nancy and I are doing our part to tether our kids to the loving truth of God’s Word.

Will my kids be happy?

Happy is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gets understanding. Proverbs 3:13

Will they think it’s their job to create their own meaning in this world?

My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste. Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 24:13-14

Will they fill the gaps of their hurt and disappointment with anxiety, escapism and addiction?

And now, my sons, listen to me: happy are those who keep my ways . . . Happy is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. For he who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord; but he who misses me injures himself; all who hate me love death. Proverbs 8:32-36

Will they trust God’s heart and fulfill their giftedness in Jesus Christ?

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Despite the fact that Americans are on average twice as rich, far healthier, safer, and enjoy more leisure time and pleasurable activities than 50 years ago, we are not happier. We are not flourishing. This path is not working.

In the message of Proverbs, the voice of God is loud and clear. Happiness, peace and wholeness come to those who fear the Lord (repeated 45 times). When we humbly trust the character and plan of our Creator, men and women, boys and girls are able to flourish.

Unfortunately, most pursue false God-substitutes in the foolish ways of this world. Instead, through the book of Proverbs, God asks us to pursue His wisdom for skillful living, righteousness and justice.

As we start this year of studying the book of Proverbs together, I am eager to see the powerful work of the Holy Spirit as we answer the call of God’s wisdom and move forward in the fear of the Lord.

Please pray with me and our leadership team that we would all have ears to hear.

Much love,

David Anderson

P.S. As we keep praying for 100 stories of grace this year, it was so encouraging to be on the front row last Sunday night to hear 12 of those stories! Courageous men and women, boys and girls publicly identified with Jesus and His Bride in baptism.

(If you weren’t able to be there, you can get a glimpse of the celebration from some great photos posted HERE.)