Selah is a word that is used 74 times in the Hebrew Bible. Its precise meaning is unknown, but it is thought to be a musical term equal to a rest.

Psalm 46:10 challenges the reader to “Be still.” In the world in which we live there is a constant need for us to “Be still.” The purpose of those moments of solitude is to turn ourselves away from the pressures and stresses that surround and remember that God is in control of this vast universe. We don’t like relinquishing control, but we are well-served to “Calm down, and learn that I am God!” (Contemporary English Version).

I recently lost my temper over a small matter and felt the need to apologize and ask forgiveness for my anger. A pause. A four-beat rest would have settled the situation without angry words.

Selah is an intentional pause in the harshness of life. Selah, says “take a breath.” Count four beats before you speak or act. Selah isn’t meant to be read. It is meant to be lived.

The Message paraphrase puts it this way, “Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.” Selah gives space to remember that God is above our political squabbles, above the mundane things that we embue with such importance.

Shhh. . .”Be still” and allow God to be God.