Selah

The word "Selah" is found in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) 74 times, 71 of those in the Book of Psalms. 

It is included in the English translations of the Bible, but as a transliteration (spelled out using English letters from the Hebrew original) rather than translated into an English meaning.

Are you interested to know why?

Not even a little curious?

It is because scholars and even ancient translators do not know the exact definition of the word "Selah".

Not even ancient translators!

The other three instances of the word are in the third Chapter of the Book of Habakkuk which reads as a song, ending with the final words, "To the Chief Musician. With my stringed instruments." 

(I wonder what Habakkuk's particular stringed instruments were, for him to specify the use of his own?)

I digress a little....and I couldn't find an answer to my question.

Even though the exact meaning of "Selah" seems to be unknown, there are several strong contenders.

Two of them are particularly suited to my main subject.

It is thought to be a musical notation telling musicians or singers to stop, rest or let musical instruments play

or 

an instruction for reading the text, meaning "stop and listen." It serves as an invitation to stop and meditate deeply on the words just spoken.

Wow.

 I don't even have to try hard to segue into my writing about listening to God for five minutes a day. 

I could just write "Selah" and that would be enough.

We need to "Selah" in our day,

to stop our crazy busy stressed out existence and pause for a moment.

To stop and rest as life flows on and be intentional about the "Selah" pause.

An instruction to "stop and listen" to God and meditate (concentrate our thoughts) deeply on the words He has just spoken.

I am in awe of God, of His wisdom and His Word, that speaks to us so clearly about how we can live well in His fullness of life.

Just imagine what life would be like if all disciples of Jesus had a moment of "Selah" during their day, to listen to the voice of the precious Holy Spirit, comforting, guiding, and counseling.

Imagine it for our own lives,

and let us respond to the invitation to "Selah."