I Peter 4:12-13 Msg-Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.

Refine, the dictionary defines it as; to bring to a fine or a pure state; free from impurities. When you’re refined, it allows all the yuck in you to come to the surface and be skimmed off so that what’s left is pure and reflective. Reflective of God’s glory, his attributes and qualities come through when we’re refined. 

Psalm 8:  Lord our Lord, your name is the most wonderful in all the earth! It brings you praise everywhere in heaven. From the mouths of children and babies come songs of praise to you. They sing of your power to silence your enemies who were seeking revenge.  I look at the heavens you made with your hands. I see the moon and the stars you created. And I wonder, “Why are people so important to you? Why do you even think about them? Why do you care so much about humans? Why do you even notice them?” But you made them almost like gods and crowned them with glory and honor. You put them in charge of everything you made. You put everything under their control. People rule over the sheep and cattle and all the wild animals. They rule over the birds in the sky and the fish that swim in the sea.  Lord our Lord, your name is the most wonderful name in all the earth!

Father, may we pass through the fires of refinement with the grace that you give us so that we may magnify your most holy name and bring glory to your Kingdom. We love you deeply, our heart is yours. Do with us this day as you have planned and we will never cease to praise and exalt you.