The power of a pause

There’s an interesting word in Scripture.

“Selah”

It’s found 71 times in the Psalms, and 3 times in the Old Testament book of Habakkuk.

There is some uncertainty about the exact meaning of Selah. Some commentators believe it came from the word Salah, to pause.

Selah.

Stop, pause, and think about it.

The practice of the pause.

God paused on the 7th day.

He simply paused, and admired His creation.

And in so doing, modelled the power of the pause.

There is such beauty and power and wisdom in the practice of a well-timed pause.

In a moment of anger: stop, pause, and think about it.

When you see that perfect sunset: stop, pause, and think about it.

When you feel anxiety rising: stop, pause, and think about it.

When you feel tempted: stop, pause, and think about it.

When those explosive words are formed and ready to come out of your mouth: stop, pause, and think about it.

When you are about to make that ill-advised purchase that you can’t afford.

When you kiss your kids goodnight: stop, pause and think about it.

When you have the privilege of eating another meal: stop, pause and think about it.

You get the picture.

Practising the pause can be such a gift. It can enhance the good and diminish the bad in our lives.

Why don’t you stop, pause, and think about it…