Selah!

The word Selah appears seventy-one times in the Psalms and three times in the book of Habakkuk. Its specific meaning is not known but it implies that the reader, or the one listening to one who is reading the psalm, should pause or rest or stop and think of “this” or “that” – or whatever the writer was addressing. It is illuminating and inspiring when we actually apply it. 

David was driven from his palace and people by his rebellious son, Absalom. When he saw his army and his advisors turn against him and follow his son, he wrote the third Psalm. 

In desperation and despair, he wrote, “O Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me. Many are saying of me, ‘God will not deliver him.’” He felt abandoned, betrayed. 

Then he paused, thought for a moment, and said “Selah!” Which must have meant, “Wait a minute, David, and think of this.” Think of what, we might ask. Being betrayed? Being pursued? Being driven from family and friends? Being driven from your throne? 

Of course not. If he is not to think of those things, then, what is he to think of? 

And then he answers his own question: “You, Oh Lord, are a shield around me, You are my glory, and the one who lifts my head high!” 

David ran away from his son, Absalom. But in so doing he ran into the arms of the Almighty God. He found his protection from persecution and his source of salvation. There is no one like the Lord! He is our comfort in times of conflict and our protector when others pursue us. 

Prayer: May we realize, O Lord, Your eternal power and presence over anything that could or would hurt or harm us. Give us courage to trust in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Scripture For Today: But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high. Psalm 3:3 

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