Just Stop And Say Selah!

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah." (Psalm 46:1-3)

The very last word in the Psalm above, “Selah”, is a word, but with one exception in Habakkuk, is only found in the Book of Psalms. It is a musical notation commanding the singer to stop singing and be silent while the musicians play on. The purpose of this rest for the singer is to stress and add emphasis to what was just said. We are to contemplate, measure and weigh the message just conveyed by the singer while the musicians play on.

God is our refuge and strength, we all understand that. But often times we fail to realize that means right now in a very real way. God is a “Very Present” help! He’s not far off, this is not empty words of vain comfort. This is a very real and tangible statement about the fact and reality of God!

But often times we depend upon our own understanding and strength. This is the very stronghold and “logic” that clogs up the free flow of God to us! We are our worst stumbling block and stop of God’s grace to ourselves.  

The Psalmist expresses troubles in a very real and demonstrative manner; earthquakes, floods, swelling and noisome waters and mountains moving! But the Psalmist wants us to stop and think about this. Even though all of these grandiose and horrid events take place, we are not to fear because we have God as our refuge, strength, and a very present help during times of trouble. Notice the addition of the word “very” to present, just to stress that God is really here, right now.

If you find your situation unbearable and out of control, then just stop and say “Selah”! Let the music play on as you contemplate the love, affection and protection that God offers you right now at this very moment!

Bill Hitchcock