When we find ourselves in the midst of crisis, whatever it might be, people usually gather around to encourage us. Sometimes they truly are words of wisdom. Other times they seem cliché and said in what many consider uncomfortable silence. People are funny that way, no one knows what to do or say in the silent moment. But, it’s in the silence where we truly discover the voice of God.
Searching for the Selah Moment
The word Selah is sprinkled throughout the book of Psalms. Unfortunately many translations now use the word interlude. Or, even worse, it’s dropped totally from the text. Selah, however, is an important word. The wisdom of the word Selah is as beneficial as the words we learned as kids before crossing the street. My mom always said, “before you cross the street… Stop, Look, and Listen.” Before stepping into a dangerous intersection, know your surroundings and don’t move until the road is clear. In other words, stop… look… and listen. Don’t move, until the path is clear.
When reading the Psalms, the word Selah means the same thing. Stop… look… and listen to what God is saying. It’s in the silent moments, while truly listening for the voice of God, that we actually hear the voice of God. The more scholarly definition says; “Selah is a Hebrew word referring to a voluntary and intentional pause for reflection. Often in times of pausing. God gives us a revelation that transforms our perspective. Selah positions us to hear His voice and be in His presence.”
Wisdom From a Friend
Many times when we find ourselves in the midst of life’s ups and downs, we become our own worst enemy. Instead of first seeking what God is saying in the midst of the situation, we find anyone who will listen and tell them about it. Yes, we need others to speak into our lives. But we must be careful to not tell our woes to anyone and everyone. A handful of counselors, or sometimes a couple less than a handful, is better than the noise that can come from too many.
In the midst of crisis a friend of mine once said, “I’m certain people are telling you it’s gonna be alright. They are right, ya know. Even though it feels like we are serving someone else’s sentence. There is a dawn and a new day coming. Concentrate on today. Just today.”
Now it’s time for a Selah moment on those words of wisdom from my friend since Seminary.
Just a guy on a journey,
Rus
One thought on “It’s Gonna Be Alright”
This is truly a word of wisdom; thought-provoking. Now I feel inspired to read through the specific Psalms which say ‘Selah’, to pause, reflect being hopeful to actively listen to the transforming voice of the Lord. What a gift of grace to be able to also hear the Lord speak through another person, to apply that beautiful word Selah. Thank you.
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