A small 5-letter word caught my attention. "Selah". The actual meaning and interpretation of this pronouncement is quite a mystery. Biblical scholars continue to debate its meaning, but its placement in scripture can help give it possible definition. Most frequently it is used to draw attention to the text that preceded it. Pause and ponder. Take time and think about. Reflect and remember. The Psalmist is encouraging the reader to stop and consider how gracious God is to us and the blessings He bestows. Paul is using priestly language, recognizing his need for mercy and desire for God's favour. He wants to know that God is looking at his life and finding reason to smile, being well-pleased, not because of accomplishments achieved, but because we are His and our lives are hidden in Christ.
How has God showed His grace, extended His blessing and caused His face to shine on us? We need to deliberately contemplate so we can celebrate the goodness and faithfulness of God. When we meditate on the grace-markers and blessings in our lives, it results in thanksgiving and praise. We shouldn't have to think back over weeks, months and even years, but today, where do we see God's hand of grace and blessing right now?
In the last 24-hours God has certainly been gracious to me, blessing me in ways that are so personal and tender to my heart. His kindness arrived in areas many would consider silly or small, but to me it was evidence of God's love and care over the details of my life and the longings of my heart. I had surrendered two very specific desires to the Lord, yielding completely, and relinquishing the outcomes to Him. Both seemed impossible to be fulfilled immediately, but maybe in time they would happen. I yielded them to the Lord, and in incredible grace, He desired to bless me with not one, but two desires, and my heart can barely contain my praise! A Selah protects from these moments rushing by as coincidence, as we acknowledge the hand of God.
Along with the instruction to stop and consider, Selah also invites the reader to listen. It provides an opportunity to welcome silence. Quietness is a rare occurrence in our lives. We need to breathe in deeply the presence of the Lord with us until we recognize His holy quietness that brings assurance of His closeness. God is gifting us a moment to draw near and know His with-ness. Once noise is stilled, our hearts are open to hear God's voice.
In my study of Selah, I also discovered it implies forever. A Selah is not just to be an occasional, but an ongoing discipline. Too often we can rush through our reading of God's Word, neglecting time to see and understand His character, and so by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, there are said to be recorded 74 uses of this word. Like the reference of "seventy times seven" in Matthew 18:22 KJV, each repetition should draw our attention to the importance of continuing to put this pause into practice.
A final definition offered, is a moment of praise. Truly that should be the conclusion of each of these possible renderings. From calm reflection, to a loud crescendo of rejoicing, Selah breaks into our thoughts as a reminder to refocus on the truths we have just read for the purpose of worshipping God.
Frequently placed in the middle of a text, it summons us not to wait until the completion of the passage, but to pause right here, right now, to praise, thanks, adore, glorify and revere the Lord. Whatever our understanding of this word, it interrupts our reading for the purpose of reflecting on Christ and recognizing His presence in our lives.
The best response today would be to put this into practice. Selah.
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