Selah by Ps Jim Jung

Selah!

If you read the book of Psalms you discover this little word - Selah (some versions say Interlude) strategically placed at the end of various paragraphs. The basic concept of the word is to – ‘pause and think.’ Selah was probably a musical term that was inserted into the musical score causing the musicians to pause and look up at the conductor, ensuring they were all in unison, whilst regaining rhythm and focus.

For us, Selah is a moment to press the pause button, and take a breath in the midst of busyness and stress. Sometimes simply stopping and allowing the Holy Spirit to wash over us allows us to regain our rhythm and focus, recognise the Master Conductor is in control, before re-entering the fray.

King David understood the need for Selah moments. Psalm 3 was written during one of the most testing times in his life, during which he discovered the importance of pausing; to look up and see God orchestrating and conducting. He writes:

“O Lord, I have so many enemies; so many are against me. So many are saying, “God will never rescue him!” Selah.” (Psalm 3:1-2)

Enemies, opposition and sceptics were lining up to take King David down. Pressure was raining down on him from all sides. Yet before reacting, he chose to press the pause button, ending his opening thought with a Selah moment. In that instant King David allowed the divine Conductor to reveal Himself as he looked away from his tormentors and into the eyes of his God. That Selah moment changed his position so dramatically that instead of lashing out at his oppressors he began to declare:

“But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high. I cried out to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy mountain. Selah.” (Psalm 3:3-4)

Those who were attempting to harm him were no match for the God that responded during that Selah moment. David recognised that the “…many” against him were no match for the God who was for him! He declared God as his protector (shield), his confidence (shown by the lifting of his head) remaining steadfast in the God of Glory. And because of this he goes on to state:

“I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me. I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies who surround me on every side.” (Psalm 3:5-6)

In the midst of turmoil, in the face of rising opposition and trouble, David was able to find rest. He lay down and slept, though the enemies were ever-increasing in number! He realised he could do nothing and abandoned himself to the protection and care of the Lord.

As you face the challenges of this day, add a Selah moment that allows you to pause and recognise that the Master Conductor is awaiting your gaze.