During a recent writing retreat, I taught a workshop about the word ‘Selah.’ Words are the tools of a wordsmith, but to create stories, we need to know what our words mean and how to properly use them.
Especially in faith organizations, the word ‘Selah’ often surfaces. But no one actually knows its true meaning. In fact, scholars believe it has a variety of meanings. Even the exact pronunciation comes from a variety of opinions.
An internet search might give the pronunciation as ‘See-luh.’ That seems phonetically accurate until you study the ancient Hebrew which uses ‘Suh-lah’ — with the emphasis on the last syllable. When I was growing up smack in the center of the Bible belt, we were taught to pronounce it as ‘Say-luh.’
But the scope and meaning of ‘Selah’ was never a priority. It should have been, because of the broad range of definitions it has been given — each appropriate during various seasons of life. Instead, ‘Selah’ remained a mystery.
The definitions of ‘Selah’ include the following:
- A pause for contemplation and reflection. Perhaps this is the reason ‘Selah’ appears so often at the end of a Psalm, an Old Testament song poem. The composer has finished, so let’s all think about what we just heard. Let’s pause, be silent, and reflect on the beauty and the theme of the music.
- A musical direction. Keeping with the musical composition theme, this definition conjures up how a conductor might direct the choir or the orchestra to hold out a tone, hum, or repeat a phrase. All for the purpose of defining the meaning of the piece of music or allowing the listeners to just enjoy what they are hearing.
- The term ‘forever.’ Sometimes ‘Selah’ is used to interpret something that is everlasting. A meaning that will not change with time. A hope and a dream that lies in the future but feels close enough to touch. A positive force that will continue even after we are long gone, as in the statement “God loves you. Selah.” God’s love will continue forever.
- ‘Selah’ can also be an expression of sound. Think about a loud cymbal clashing at the end of the score. Or the need we feel to cheer for our team after the winning touchdown is scored. Or when a child says ‘Mama’ the first time and we respond with “Aww.” It’s such a beautiful moment, we have to say something. In these situations, we must utter a sound that underscores the ‘Selah’ moment.
- An emphatic utterance. Similar to the word used at the end of most prayers. ‘Amen’ and ‘Selah’ underscore what has been spoken or written. It is a way to agree with the writer. Another way to say, “Yes indeed. You are correct. We appreciate what you have written or spoken. Amen. Selah.”
- A break in the normal pattern of life. This definition caught me by surprise, because I had never considered ‘Selah’ to describe periods of rest. A retreat from the usual. A break in the action. But it makes sense for the number of times we are told to ‘Be still and know.’ To make sure that we develop ‘Selah’ moments in our schedule. Times of refreshing. A reboot so that we can be restored from the stresses of life.
In my recent publication, It’s All About Trust, I describe two types of rest: Active and Passive. Both are necessary for creatives and for embracing wholeness throughout our lives.
Active Rest is when we intentionally discipline ourselves to repeat affirmations, Bible verses, and personal encouragements. It is when we take a walk and pray through our worries. When we visualize handing over our cares to God. When we write in our journals and dump out our frustrations with words or illustrations. When we take action steps toward trust.
Active Rest is effective because we are purposely letting go of trying to solve everything ourselves. We are letting the Higher Power do it for us. That is not an easy action step, but it results in true ‘Selah’ moments.
Passive Rest happens when we turn off the rest of the world. When we take a holy nap on Sunday afternoon. When we set healthy boundaries around too many activities. When we refuse to look at our cell phones while eating. When we shut the office door and close our eyes for ten minutes. When we take an electronic Sabbath and refuse to check emails.
Passive Rest is absolutely necessary for emotional health and spiritual wholeness. God designed us to sleep each night and to truly rest. To experience ‘Selah,’ we need to be intentional about embracing solitude and getting away from the messy world around us.
The real power in ‘Selah’ happens when we create such opportunities for reflection, for a quiet atmosphere, for a calm spirit to abide in restful contemplation. God often speaks in a whisper, but if our world is too loud — we cannot hear that beautiful divine whisper in our souls.
So let’s create more ‘Selah’ opportunities. Let’s embrace this mystery word as a personal mantra to draw closer to God. To purify our souls. To rest in the beauty of complete trust.
©2024 RJ Thesman – All Rights Reserved
Image: Sid Leigh / Unsplash
To learn more about how to trust God, check out It’s All About Trust. Available on Amazon.