Day 122 - Refine Us

Daily Reading:  Psalm 64-66

When we were overwhelmed by sins,

you forgave our transgressions.

Psalm 65:3

Footnote:

Although we may feel overwhelmed by the multitude of our sins, God will forgive them all if we ask sincerely.  Do you feel as though God could never forgive you, that your sins are too many, or that some of them are too great?  The good news is that God can and will forgive them all.  Nobody is beyond redemption, and nobody is so full of sin that he or she cannot be made clean.

For you, O God, tested us;

you refined us like silver.

You brought us into prison

and laid burdens on our backs.

You let men ride over our heads;

we went through fire and water,

but you brought us to a place of abundance.

Psalm 66:10-12

Footnote:

Just as fire refines silver in the smelting process, trials refine our character.  They bring us a new and deeper wisdom, helping us discern truth from falsehood and giving us the discipline to do what we know is right.  Above all, these trials help us realize that life is a gift from God to be cherished, not a right to be taken for granted.

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All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV