SELAH – A Spiritual Practice

Ever notice the Hebrew word, selah, in the Psalms?

SELAH – Though opinions differ on its exact meaning, many experts say the word comes from the primary Hebrew root word [calah], which literally means “to hang,” and by implication to measure (weigh). In Biblical history, money, food, and other valuables were “weighed” by hanging or suspending them on a type of balance (the equivalent of our measuring scale) to determine their value.

Selah signals that it is time to “measure” carefully the meaning of what has been said and to reflect on some deeper wisdom and understand its true meaning.

Stop and listen.

Pause and Reflect.

Dwell in the moment and drink in the meaning of life.

Observe the ordinary in silence; consider all the details of this one precious moment.

Slow down and listen to God.

Doesn’t sounds like modern life, does it?

Selah is like a stop sign. The intermission or half time. Or refreshing recess. 

Yes I like the idea of a recess. An adult recess. A break from the busy, craziness of everyday living to pause and catch my breath. Most school recesses happen twice a day, for 15 minutes. I think I can handle that.

Twice day pausing to measure my day and its value. Taking the time to cradle in my hands the current point in time and appreciate it as a gift from God. My to-do list can wait as I surrender my full attention in thanks and praise to the Creator of all moments, including this present one.

 Selah moments. Join me?