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What is Selah?
The Riverside Church
Overview
This video introduces the Hebrew word "Selah" as a concept for pausing, reflecting, and resting, particularly within the context of the Psalms. It highlights how "Selah" functions as a musical interlude for reflection and suggests that adopting this practice can lead to a less hurried life, deeper awe of God, and personal healing. The speaker encourages viewers to embrace this invitation to "Selah" as a way to find rest and grace, drawing parallels to Jesus' own practice of withdrawing to pray.
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Chapters
- Many people feel overcommitted with various life responsibilities (work, family, church, community).
- Constant notifications and demands create a sense of busyness and overwhelm.
- This feeling of being constantly on the go is a common experience.
Recognizing the widespread feeling of being overcommitted is the first step to seeking a solution or a different way of living.
A phone constantly ringing, dinging, and vibrating with notifications.
- Selah is an ancient Hebrew word that offers a meaningful concept for today.
- It is translated as 'pause and calmly think' or 'pause in His presence'.
- Musically, it signifies an instruction to pause, reflect, and take an interlude.
Understanding "Selah" provides a specific, actionable concept for intentionally slowing down and engaging in deeper thought and presence.
The Amplified Bible translates 'Selah' as 'pause and calmly think'.
- The Psalms, the prayer and songbook of ancient people and Jesus, frequently contain the word 'Selah'.
- Jesus himself practiced 'Selah' by withdrawing to quiet places to pray, reflect, and rest.
- The Psalms were meant not just to be recited but to be lived, embodying Jesus' teachings on finding rest.
Connecting "Selah" to the Psalms and Jesus' example shows its historical and spiritual significance as a practice for finding rest and connecting with God.
Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray, demonstrating a practical application of 'Selah'.
- Jesus invites those who are weary and burdened to find rest in Him.
- This invitation is to an 'unhurried life', contrasting with the constant busyness.
- Practicing 'Selah' leads to standing in awe of God's greatness and finding needed healing and grace.
Embracing the concept of 'Selah' offers a path to spiritual renewal, emotional healing, and a more peaceful existence.
Jesus' words: 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.'
Key takeaways
- Modern life is often characterized by overcommitment and constant busyness.
- The Hebrew word 'Selah' offers a powerful concept for intentional pausing and reflection.
- 'Selah' is understood as a musical interlude for reflection and a call to pause in God's presence.
- The Psalms, used by Jesus, contain 'Selah' as an invitation to deeper engagement.
- Jesus modeled the practice of 'Selah' by regularly seeking quiet time for prayer and rest.
- Adopting a 'Selah' practice can lead to an unhurried life, renewed awe of God, and personal healing.
- Finding true rest is distinct from mere distraction, like binge-watching TV.
Key terms
SelahHebrew wordPauseReflectionInterludePsalmsPrayer bookUnhurried lifeWearyBurdened
Test your understanding
- What does the word 'Selah' mean, and how is it understood in different contexts?
- Why is the concept of 'Selah' relevant to people experiencing modern-day busyness?
- How did Jesus' life and teachings exemplify the practice of 'Selah'?
- What are the potential benefits of incorporating 'Selah' into one's life?
- How does the practice of 'Selah' differ from simply taking a break or engaging in distractions?