The design of this tee was created during a profound study of the word “Refine”. Over the past month the word “Refine” kept popping up everywhere in my life. In the songs I listened to, in my devotional, while studying scripture, even in posts that came across social media. And to be completely honest, I didn’t really know what the word “Refine” meant. We hear that our Lord is a Refiner from the popular Mav City Song, but what does it mean to be refined by our Creator? I asked several of my close friends and dug into scripture to find some answers.
To be refined can mean many things. Most dictionaries will say, “To free something from impurities”. But what about being refined by our Lord? Here is what scripture has to say:
“Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction.”
Isaiah 48:10
Refinement is a process. It isn’t an instant fix. It’s the process of being tested through fire and suffering to purify your heart and shape you into who you’re called to be in the house of the Lord. When being refined, you will likely be placed outside your comfort zone and you’ll start to see God transforming your life.
“But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.”
Jeremiah 17:10
When we pray “Lord, refine me” we are really saying, “Lord, take away the worldly things about me, search my heart and make me more and more like you.” You are reinstating the morality of your life. When we ask for refinement, it really is a form of repentance. We acknowledge that we are broken and flawed, and that we need to be made new. The best sacrifice we can give Him is a broken heart. A heart that wants to be refined. A heart that He can make new, over and over again. Refinement is about asking God to make you more like Him, fixating on what is good, turning from your sinful and worldly nature and admitting that you need our Saviors help in remodeling your devotion to Him.
