A Rhythm of Rest: Selah

There is an interesting word nestled in the Old Testament, “Selah.” Have you ever noticed it? Do you understand what it means? While its actual meaning is not absolutely clear, most biblical scholars agree that the simple word indicates a pause in Scripture, an interlude between stanzas in a psalm, or a musical marker for silence. The word appears 74 times in the Hebrew Bible, 71 times in the Book of Psalms, and three times in the Book of Habakkuk. There have been a few but not many contemporary uses of the word “Selah” in literature to end articles and letters, encouraging readers to “pause and consider.” Though mostly unfamiliar today, the word communicates a timely message revealed in biblical instructions to rest.

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Genesis 1 and 2 record the account of creation by God the Father. After six busy days of forming the earth and sky, sun and moon, birds and fish, male and female, the Almighty God ended His creative work and chose to rest. He blessed and sanctified the Sabbath and commanded that His children: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Gen. 2:2-3; Ex. 20:8-11). During His intense three years of earthly ministry, Jesus Christ promised rest to His followers and withdrew from the crowds to commune with His Heavenly Father (Matt. 11:28; Luke 22:41-44). The Bible clearly teaches believers to pause regularly from their routines and find a rhythm of rest.

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Why should Christians rest, and what should we do during times of pause? Several verses in the Psalms which conclude with “Selah” can teach us how to practice biblical rest and grow as we intentionally pause.

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1. Focus on the Lord (Ps. 3:4). Keep your eyes on Jesus in the midst of your busy life. Don’t get distracted or discouraged; turn to Him continually.
2. Reflect on His truths (Ps. 3:8). Turn to the Bible for truth, not to speculation on television or in social media. Take time to read and study God’s Word.
3. Enjoy His presence (Ps. 4:4; 46:11; 143:6). Always be aware of God’s presence, and schedule regular times to spend time with the Lord. Pray, listen, meditate as you rest.
4. Receive His strength (Ps. 21:2). Depend on God, not yourself or others, to sustain you when you feel weak or helpless. During rest, He restores and renews you.
5. Follow His direction (Ps. 24:6). Obey His commands and instruction even when you do not fully understand His plans. God speaks clearly when you wait and listen.
6. Seek His forgiveness (Ps. 32:5; 85:2). Confess your sin to Him and accept His unconditional love. Quiet times provide an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to convict you of personal sin and challenge you to forgive others.
7. Praise His name (Ps. 44:8; 66:4). Give God the glory and honor in your good days and bad. Make time to express your gratitude for His amazing works.
8. Declare His righteousness (Ps. 50:6). Talk about the goodness of the Lord, His holy character, and His perfect actions. Keep God in your everyday conversations.
9. Trust in the shelter of His wings (Ps. 61:4; 62:8). When your circumstances are shaken, step aside to curl up in the loving arms of Jesus and let Him comfort you. Abide in His protection and depend on His provision.
10. Acknowledge His blessings (Ps. 68:19). Notice all the many things, big and small, that the Lord has done for you out of His love and grace, not your merit or works. Stop to thank Him and give Him glory.
11. Dwell in His house (Ps. 84:4). Worship the Lord and join with your family of faith on a regular basis. Gathering with other believers face-to-face or virtually will strengthen you spiritually.
12. Seek His guidance (Ps. 84:8). Ask the Lord to give you clear directions and perfect guidance as you make important decisions and live a godly life. God speaks with clarity when you pause to listen.

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“Selah” took on new meaning in 2020 during the worldwide Coronavirus pandemic. In an attempt to stop the rapid spread of the vicious virus, stay-at-home orders were issued by the governments of more than 170 different countries. Schools were closed. Offices were emptied. Sports were canceled. Famous sites were vacated. Streets were cleared. Major cities looked like ghost towns. Families, churches, companies, and organizations no longer gathered, their work was halted or adapted. Literally, the whole world was forced to pause. While Covid has been a devasting disease, many people recognized blessings in the unexpected time of rest.

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So, how will YOU use your Selah in the future and rest in the Lord in your daily routines? I will schedule time to pause so that I can listen to His voice, learn from His Word, and live for His glory. I will recommit each day to some silence and set aside some extended times of rest to hear from the Lord, understand His teachings, and follow His guidance. I pray that you, too, will find and continue a rhythm of rest!

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Rhonda Harrington Kelley was the President’s Wife at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in New Orleans, Louisiana for 23 years.  Rhonda was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and was raised in New Orleans.  She is married to Dr. Chuck Kelley of Beaumont, Texas who became President of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1996.  She received two college degrees from Baylor University and her doctorate in Special Education/Speech Pathology from the University of New Orleans, Louisiana.  Rhonda served as Director of Speech Pathology at Ochsner Medical Institutions in New Orleans for 15 years. She is now in full-time ministry–writing, speaking, and teaching.

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Rhonda Kelley currently serves as Associate Director of Innovative Evangelism and Adjunct Professor of Women’s Ministry at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. She is the author of several books including The Devotional for Women, Talking is a Gift, Life Lessons from Women of the Bible, the Woman’s Guide Bible Study series, Divine Discipline, and Raising Moms: Daughters Loving Their Mothers in the Later Years.  She was the managing editor for The Daily Devotional Bible for Women, The Study Bible for Women, and the Old Testament and New Testament Commentaries for Women published by Broadman-Holman as well as The Woman’s Study Bible published by Thomas Nelson/Harper Collins which has sold more than 2 million copies. She has been called to minister to women through the local church.