Mobile Ministry Magazine: "Selah"

Seeing mobile technology through the lens of Scripture

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Monday, January 30, 2006

"Selah"

When we read through the book of Psalms, there are terms that we may easily skim over because of our lack of familiarity.

However, there is a word that I’d like to highlight for the purposes of a brief, devotional thought.

Psalm 46:1-11
1 God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gives way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
Selah

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
5 God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
7 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah

8 Come and see the works of the LORD,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear,
he burns the shields with fire.
10 "Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."
11 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah

Note the usage of the term “selah” throughout the psalm. “Selah” appears several times throughout the book of Psalms and a couple of times throughout Scripture. It is an important word meant to inspire deeper worship and provoke deeper thought.

Selah is a musical term that literally means “to pause”. The musically-inclined would most likely consider the pause referred here as “a rest” or a brief respite within a composition. However, that is not what its intended meaning is here. The term connotes a much deeper meaning. Selah instructs listeners to ponder; to reflect; to give thought to the lyrics and music.

It is self examination in the middle or end of a song.

• “What does this mean for me?”… to ponder
• “How can this apply to my life?”… to reflect
• “What does this say about my heart?”… to give thought
• “Where can I go from here?”…to examine yourself

Selah.
Today, as we move throughout the day, remember the command of the psalmist…take time to reflect on God and what He is personally trying to communicate to your heart this day.

EDIT: This item now appears in the Devotional section - Antoine