“Selah” - Psalm 46 (Day 5)

This week's time spent in Psalm 46 has reaffirmed our trust in God as our refuge, strength, and ever-present help while realigning our hearts with His ways. Recognizing His greatness, faithfulness, and protection invites us to stop striving and, instead, depend on Him in every circumstance. Rather than rush past this powerful insight, Scripture, specifically the book of Psalms, invites us to engage in a contemplative practice called Selah. 

At one point, you likely came across this phrase while reading through the Psalms and wondered what it means and why the author included it. Selah appears 71 times in 39 different Psalms and serves as a liturgical-musical mark or an instruction during a musical interlude for a time to "stop and listen." The wealth of knowledge contained in the Psalms was so rich it was worthy of our careful consideration. Psalm 46, this week’s passage, is one such place where the appearance of Selah occurs. 

If the original authors found Selah as a necessary and important exercise, so should we, and that’s why we want to practice it today. Starting with Psalm 46:1-3, we’ll read different passages where Selah appears and then a reflective prompt to think about and pray over as we head into the weekend.

Psalm 46:1-3

1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,

3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

CONSIDER those places where you need God to be a very-present help where your heart is troubled. 

PRAY for a willingness to seek refuge in His protection and a reliance on His strength to face your circumstances with faith.

Psalm 68:19

19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, The God who is our salvation. Selah

CONSIDER the burdens you continue to carry on your own shoulders.

PRAY that you would loosen your grip on the things that weigh you down and lay them at the feet of the cross. 

Psalm 75:1-3

1 We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near. We recount your wondrous deeds.

2 “At the set time that I appoint I will judge with equity.

3 When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants, it is I who keep steady its pillars.” Selah

Psalm 77:11-15

11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.

12 I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.

13 Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God?

14 You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples.

15 You with your arm redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah

CONSIDER how God has shown His faithfulness to You in both the good and bad times of life.

PRAY that stability and gratitude would be markers that define your life and find their root in Christ.

Psalm 84:1-4

1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts!

2 My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.

3 Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.

4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! Selah

CONSIDER how close or distant God feels to you in this present moment. Remember, we worship a pursuing God. 

PRAY that You would sense His presence as you go about your day. 

Psalm 85:2

2 You forgave the iniquity of your people; you covered all their sin. Selah

CONSIDER those hidden sins and struggles and how bringing them to God would be met with love, forgiveness, and grace.

PRAY that You would walk in the freedom only Christ provides and not let shame, judgment, and fear prevent you from being honest with God about your struggles. 

Psalm 89:1-4

1 I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.

2 For I said, “Steadfast love will be built up forever; in the heavens you will establish your faithfulness.”

3 You have said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn to David my servant:

4 I will establish your offspring forever, and build your throne for all generations.’” Selah

CONSIDER the ways God loves you - avoid generalizations and be specific.

PRAY that an encounter with His love would transform every part of who you are and how you live your life.