It’s as beautiful as it is mysterious.

Many have said that the word Selah means “to reflect or to pause” and if you look at the context of how this word is used in the book of Psalms, it makes total sense.  It’s a Hebrew word and occurs at least 71 times in the books of Psalms and 3 times in Habakkuk’s book.  A total of 39 Psalms contains the word Selah, and it’s also repeated often in the same Palms.

The Bible is the Word of God and each word written in it, matters. It brings meaning and purpose even if we don’t fully understand its context.  Its okey not to know every word’s meaning in the Bible.  We can’t understand everything there is to know about God, which is why some words in the Scriptures are beyond our comprehension.

This pause and reflect notion, can be a request for the reader to pause and think about what they read or what is said, or it can be a moment to pause between sentences and notes.  There is no perfect interpretation, and neither is there one and only interpretation.

The word Selah causes us to pause, reflect and ponder what God is saying to us. It allows us the opportunity to remove ourselves from all the business and craziness that’s happening around us and just to give ourselves a momentary pause.  Selah allows us to live and consider the immense wonders and mysteries of God.

The word Selah ultimately reminds us to pause and reflect on Jesus Christ.  It’s a moment for us to reflect on the wonders He has given us, and all the treasures and knowledge we find in Him, and we have Christ in our hearts.  As to the word Selah in this context, it is fitting that Selah Iike our faith is full of understanding, hope and reflection.  I’ve been told that I have a calmness about me, which I consider a gift from God. 

Selah – beautiful, thoughtful, yet mysterious.

I hope you find time to pause and reflect when you journal and spend time in God’s word.