National Day of Prayer: Selah!

Selah.

Used 77 times in the Psalms (and three times in the book Habakkuk), this short word carries a powerful punch.

We see it all the time on television and in the movies. A person is hysterical, inconsolable, or panicking rending them unable to make or follow through on necessary decisions. These decisions may be a matter of life or death, but the hysterical person cannot calm himself, or look at a situation in a rational manner. Drastic measures have to be taken to get the person’s attention.

So a friend slaps him.

Another saying also addresses the need for drastic measures: You don’t have to hit me over the head with a 2” x 4”.

Frankly, sometimes a 2” x 4” or a slap is what I need to face reality. However, God gets our attention in much gentler ways. He could use a slap or a 2” x 4”, but He chooses to reach out to us gently, quietly, using a small, still voice. He asks us to quiet ourselves and just listen, to wait on Him to give needed help and direction. He puts up with impatience and complaining, but what He really wants is for us to follow the instruction He gives us through the writers of the Psalms: SELAH

Stop or pause, and contemplate. I’m not an expert, far from it, in being quiet or pausing. God knew we would need some direct instruction. A “Selah” is inserted in various Psalms at points where special attention needs to given. Often it is after a recollection of all the wonders God has performed. It says, “Hey! Stop! Remember! I haven’t changed! I’m taking care of you! Think about that and rest in Me!”

And a sense of wellbeing, peace, and serenity comes from taking such a moment to reflect upon whom God is and what God is doing. At least we are relieved of the noise in our heads and the external pressures for a time. It may be a few seconds but sometimes a few hours, and occasionally most of a day. Being refreshed, we can move out into the world and do what God asks of us.

Today, May 5^th, 2011, is designated as a National Day of Prayer. Join me today in taking a few moments for following God’s instruction to Selah.