"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah." Psalm 46:1-3 (ESV)
The word in bold at the end of this verse is small but holds great meaning. Selah is to pause and rest. Selah is an invitation to reflect on the previous words and consider them. Practicing selah as you read the Bible, or any book, forces you not to gloss over content. It helps you to digest the material you have just read.
We need to practice selah to digest life.
This is true in life as well. Sometimes we need to practice selah to digest life. Pausing and resting allows us to appreciate life and receive more from it. It is a process that gives you a moment to reflect on the circumstances of life, how to view those circumstances, and how to proceed in those circumstances.
Formulate responses rather than reactions.
There are many situations to apply selah; the death of a loved one, the graduation of a child, when you are attacked by another, or a successful accomplishment. Taking a moment or two to reflect can be what is needed in these situations. It gives you time to mourn. It gives you time to celebrate. It gives you time to remember. It gives you time to formulate an appropriate response. When we slow down and pause, it helps us navigate away from a disastrous reaction or gives us an accurate response to the circumstance.
"Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you're about to react harshly, and you'll avoid doing and saying things you'll later regret." -Lori Deschene.
In addition, it can help you as a writer. Practicing selah can give you just what you need to reflect and change course in a writing piece. Or it can give you time to accept some constructive criticism. For example, I wrote a piece and submitted it to a publication. The editor of this publication edited my piece in such a way that I felt like I was in grade school again. It was quite humbling, and I felt so frustrated that I pulled my piece from the publication. Upon reflection, I realized I needed to get Grammarly for a little extra help with my editing. In addition, I learned that you could edit to the point where the soul has left the piece. So, that experience turned valuable when I slowed down and practiced selah.
Selah helps bring value and a richer life.
Practicing selah is a much-needed skill not only for a writer, but in life. Employing this tool daily will not only help you grow as an individual but will also help you live an abundant life.
Next Blog: Editing vs. Soul
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