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like silver is refined

Psalm 66:8-12 (JDV)

Psalm 66:8 Bless our God, you peoples; let the sound of his praise be heard.
Psalm 66:9 He keeps us alive and does not allow our feet to slip
Psalm 66:10 because you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver is refined.
Psalm 66:11 You lured us into a trap; you placed burdens on our backs.
Psalm 66:12 You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us out to abundance.

like silver is refined

The psalmist admits that his nation has gone through a great deal of trouble and hardship, and blames God for all of it. He sees his nation as having gone through these things — not because he was angry with them, but because he loved them, and wanted to refine them like silver is refined.

I love the attitude. It speaks to us today who are so quick to complain about every hardship. Yes, the Israelites were like that too. But at least some of their descendants got it. They realized that all the hardship was to refine them.

Lord, give us the perspective of this psalmist. Help us to see your goodness even in events where we cannot see the good.