Psalm 3
A Psalm of David. When he fled from Absalom his son.
1LORD, HOW they are increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me.
2Many are saying of me, There is no help for him in God. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!
This is the first occurance of “Selah” in the bible, Psalm 3 composed by David.
Of course, this would have been a song, not a poem. SELAH very probably was born from a musical device to pause the flow of sound in order to evoke reflection on the most recent statement.
I read the first two lines, and I hear desperation in David’s voice. I hear confusion, and I hear…well sadness. Then, Selah.
When we walk into our days, we have moments of anxiety where it seems that the Joy we were able to build is tottering tower. Selah is that moment just before the seemingly impending crash. Take a deep breath, and re-center your being within God.
3But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.
4With my voice I cry to the Lord, and He hears and answers me out of His holy hill. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!
This does not keep the tower from crashing, but the reflection give you the courage to withstand the crash. It gives us the strength to walk through the crash. It gives us a reminder of the eternity that belongs to us. We refresh in the presence of God.
5I lay down and slept; I wakened again, for the Lord sustains me.
6I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me round about.
7Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God! For You have struck all my enemies on the cheek; You have broken the teeth of the ungodly.
When we are given a moment of quiet reflection and refreshment in God, we will turn that out towards others. Our smallest moments in God can become big blessings for a nation of people.
8Salvation belongs to the Lord; May Your blessing be upon Your people. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!
Today, as we go through our days, and the day becomes harried and stressful. Find your Selah moment. Re-center on God, find the meaning of strife within His great calm. And, move within the peace of strength through that situation. Remember, take a deep breath.
V~
