Selah is a Hebrew word of unknown meaning — you’ll see it at the end of verses in the Psalms. While perhaps a musical direction, it’s traditionally interpreted as a blessing meaning “forever”. Whenever I encounter the word Selah in the Bible, I can’t help but think it has been carefully (and intentionally) placed there to catch my eye. Like the conductor of a great symphony, the Lord looks at me intently. He directs my very soul with His baton.
“Put them in fear, O Lord! Let the nations know that they are but men!” Selah — Psalm 9:20
Just for a moment, try to place yourself in this Psalm. The last couple of years have been riddled with sickness for all of us. At the very least, we no doubt know someone who has been debilitated due to illness. Our human frailty has become so obvious. For me, it’s been scary and especially difficult to see myself (and almost everyone I know) struggle. We’ve been held up, put down, quarantined, judged, confused, irritated, angry, hurt, sad and misunderstood. Considering this, I’ve become a bit more introspective.
In a Selah Moment
I wonder, if perhaps we are in a Selah moment? After all, God is Sovereign and orchestrates everything that has ever happened, or ever will happen, right on into eternity. He gives something like “musical direction” to the symphony of life and death. The pauses and intervals are as significant as the rest of the melody. Given that, take note that the Selah moment needs to be exactly what the conductor intends it to be in order to reach perfection.
I’ve struggled to come out of the last two years of life’s pauses and intervals. I can find myself saying “no” to good things. In fact, it seems I have become comfortable in the pause; undoubtedly, it leads to my own restlessness and discontentment. I’ve come to realize that the pauses in life can be harmonious when timed perfectly, or harmful if held out for too long. Therefore, I’ve needed to lean into being with God’s people. I’m intentionally looking to the Conductor, Jesus, for the orchestration of our Kingdom lives — together. Apart from Him, I can do nothing! (John 15:5)
“Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise!” Selah — Psalm 84:4
Forever with all of you who believe!
Posted in A Word from the Pastor