Pausing seems to be part of my recent journey. I am discovering new value in pausing. A pause is a temporary stop in action or speech.  I know more and more people are pausing as they practice deep breathing, stretching and even mindfulness activities. During these days, which bring uncertainty and unique stresses, these activities can be helpful pauses.

Yesterday I was struck by the invitation to pause in a different way.  Used 71 times, the word ‘Selah’ is often noted in the middle or at the end of a Psalm.  Many believe that this word is inserted in the Psalm (song) where pitch or volume is increased. It marks a moment where special attention is to be drawn to what has just been said or sung.

Our God is a God who speaks.  Selah. There are times there is a scripture, or inspiration given by God, through his Spirit.  We hear a verse or receive an insight that encourages us, speaks correction to us, calls to us loudly, or with a gentleness, washes over us.  Then, it seems to slip through our fingers, as sand would on the beach, and we quickly forget.  I am challenged today with the continued need to pause, ‘Selah’ with what I have graciously heard from the Lord.

Read the following verses.  Which verse would the Spirit prompt you to pause and give special attention to?

“You are my hiding place. You protect me from my troubles and fill me with songs of salvation.” Selah. (Psalm 32:7).

“From the Lord comes deliverance.  May your blessing be on your people.” Selah.  (Psalm 3:8).

“Who is he, this King of Glory? The Lord almighty – he is the King of Glory.”  Selah.  (Psalm 24:10).

“Trust in him at all times, you people! Pour out your hearts before him. God is our shelter.”  Selah.  (Psalm 46:7)

“Do not grant the wicked their desires, Lord; do not let their plans succeed.” Selah.  (Psalm 140:8).

“The Lord listens when I pray to him. When you are angry, do not sin. Think about these things quietly as you go to bed.” Selah (Psalm 4:4).

Take a moment and pause with the verse that speaks to you. Pause again in the middle of your day and at the end of your day.  Sit with the verse and allow it to rest in your heart and mind allowing the living Lord God to speak in your pause.  Selah.

The use of the word Master, in the following song, speaks of Jesus as teacher or Lord.  May we hear from our Lord, the one who delights to speak personally to each of us today.  

775: Master, Speak: Thy Servant Heareth

1. Master, speak: Thy servant heareth,
Waiting for Thy gracious word,
Longing for Thy voice that cheereth;
Master, let it now be heard.
I am listening, Lord, for Thee;
What hast Thou to say to me?

2. Speak to me by name, O Master,
Let me know it is to me.
Speak, that I may follow faster,
With a step more firm and free,
Where the shepherd leads the flock
In the shadow of the rock.

3. Master, speak: though least and lowest,
Let me not unheard depart.
Master, speak! for O Thou knowest
All the yearning of my heart,
Knowest all its truest need;
Speak! and make me blest indeed.

4. Master, speak: and make me ready,
When Thy voice is truly heard,
With obedience glad and steady
Still to follow every word.
I am listening, Lord, for Thee;
Master, speak: O speak to me!

Selah.  We pause Lord Jesus.  Selah. As we have taken the time to read this message, we have heard your voice and we don’t want to hurry by what you have so graciously spoken. We ask that you take your word and plant it deep in us.  Transform our lives from within as we pause throughout our day and meditate on the words of life you extend.  AMEN.

With care and in prayer,