Let them give thanks to the LORD for His unfailing love
and His wonderful deeds for mankind,
for He breaks down gates of bronze
and cuts through bars of iron.
Psalms 107:15-16

Unfailing love.  I think that this is a concept that is difficult for most to understand because we don’t typically see it in action…at least not from our peers, friends, and not even from our families.  It seems that failing love sometimes better defines the type of emotion shared in relationships, not at any fault of our own.  But there is only One who can truly say they have unfailing love for others—and that is Christ.  Because this can be such a rarity, the importance of acknowledging this love must be understood. Our Heavenly Father shows us this unfailing love daily, hourly, with each breath we take. Charles Lowery spoke at our church today and he reminded us that Christ has unfailing love for us even when we fail, even when we are less than we should be.

This verse proceeds to speak of iron and bronze.  Both metals are known for their strength, and use in battle.  Iron is known to be heavy, and known for its great strength and its hardness.  Bronze is used in the creation of weapons. Both are unbendable by human hands.  Both act as barriers and hurdles that without Christ we would never be able to overcome.

“…for He breaks down gates of bronze and cuts through bars of iron.”

When I think of these gates and bars, I don’t see them in their literal forms. Rather, I see the struggles we face on a daily basis.  I see our trials and tribulations.  I see Christ in our lives breaking the chains of iron and bronze that bind us—depression, illness, hatred, bitterness, and so much more. His unfailing love carries us through these gates and bars.  And He asks that in return, we give thanks.  And that we acknowledge the numerous things He does for us.  This can be done in so many ways, such as a gratitude journal, a song, or sharing our testimony.

My challenge for you this week is to think of the ways you can give thanks, and share what He has done for you.

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Let’s Pray:  Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your wondrous works because without You we would be smothered by the iron and bronze that imprison us.  You ask so little from us in return.  Thank You Father, for Your unfailing love that helps us live each moment of our lives; a love that is there even in our most undeserving of times.  In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.