The Mighty King

Iron is San Francisco area songwriter Dave Foster's 2008 release. On this recording he leaned heavily on the talents of his friends in the Church Without Shoes Group. This is a group of pastors and worship leaders from over 30 churches in the Diablo Valley who have come together to bring the love of Jesus to their home town. The songs are heartfelt expressions of a life that Dave has lived over the past few years. There are social justice expressions in Make it So, Use Your Church and Iron. There is simple adoration expressed in City of the King and To Him Who is Able. The old hymn O The Deep Deep Love of Jesus is adapted for the 21st century.

Dave asked his friends, Justin McRoberts, Jason Bendickson, Keenan Boswell, Tom Patitucci, Art Heckman and Pete Ahonen; among others to take part in the recording. They added passion and skill to make each track something unique and exciting.


The Story of the Song- Iron

Iron was written on September 8th. The reason I remember this is because I was reading “Streams in the Desert,” a daily devotional book. The entry for September 8th talks about Joseph and how iron entered his soul when he was in prison. Joseph had known success, and had known gold in his soul, but now he was getting iron. Psalm 119 talks about iron.

Psalm 119:169-176 (The Message)
Let my cry come right into your presence, God;
provide me with the insight that comes only from your Word.
Give my request your personal attention,
rescue me on the terms of your promise.
Let praise cascade off my lips;
after all, you've taught me the truth about life!
And let your promises ring from my tongue;
every order you've given is right.
Put your hand out and steady me
since I've chosen to live by your counsel.
I'm homesick, God, for your salvation;
I love it when you show yourself!
Invigorate my soul so I can praise you well,
use your decrees to put iron in my soul.
And should I wander off like a lost sheep—seek me!
I'll recognize the sound of your voice.

The song came together very quickly. Music and lyrics were done in a few hours. Something just clicked and iron was all that I could think about for that entire afternoon. On second thought, I was really praying more than thinking. The song is really a prayer that lays out what I hope for in myself as my relationship with God matures.

“Give me iron in my soul, to walk your way when doubts arise”.

I don’t know about you, but sometimes my faith wavers. There are times when I don’t know if I’m actually living my life the best way possible, and sometimes I feel it in the pit of my stomach. Situations and circumstances can alter how I live out what I believe. I take issues in my life out of God’s hands and try to handle them on my own.
I like the imagery of iron being in my soul, because it’s tangible, heavy and magnetic. It adds weight and substance- and I like to think of God holding the magnet. I don’t picture it as some gigantic electromagnet, but one that points the compass in our soul toward Him, allowing us to walk directly in the path that leads to Him.

As Iron has circulated around some churches in the local area, the feedback I’ve gotten is that men really relate to this song. They sing the chorus loud and strong. As a worship leader, it’s hard for me to think of a greater thing that has ever been said about one of my songs. God is speaking to what is in many of our hearts. I’m honored He let me write down the song.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Dave-Foster/27982716245
http://www.myspace.com/davefostertodossantos
http://www.fostersongs.com