Psalms 46:1-3 (ASV)
1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore will we not fear, though the earth do change, And though the mountains be shaken into the heart of the seas; 3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, Though the mountains tremble with the swelling thereof. Selah
English: Cross in the village of Úsilné, České Budějovice District, Czech Republic with the writing ‘Blessed be the Lord Jesus Christ’. Česky: Křížek v obci Úsilné v okrese České Budějovice s nápisem ‘Pochválen buď Pán Ježíš Kristus’. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
God Is Our Refuge and Strength
The word Selah appears often in the book of Psalms. We are tempted to ignore it because we don’t know what it means. According to Strong’s Talking Greek and Hebrew Dictionary, “selah” is a musical term that signals a pause. In other words, selah means “stop.” It says that we are to take time in our reading to pause and reflect on what has been said.
There are many selah moments in life. Selah moments are events that subtly or forcefully cause us to stop. Illness, the loss of a loved one, financial disasters and natural disasters are types of forceful selah moments. This week, Hurricane Sandy was a selah moment for millions of people of high and low estate. The election campaigns had to pause and make way for plans to protect and give aid to affected populations. Those who lost their homes or had damaged possessions have to stop and learn to live without them, or find a way to have them replaced. Natural disasters should also be the big selah that causes us to reflect on the reality of our Heavenly Father.
God has come before us. His word precedes the existence of everything that now is or ever has been. He is the Ancient of Days who made the Earth and the Heavens. He had given us His love and His word to reflect upon in moments of distress. He is our refuge and strength. He is a very present help in trouble. We are told not to be afraid, even when the trouble is overwhelming: “though the mountains be shaken into the heart of the seas; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, Though the mountains tremble with the swelling thereof.”
Stop.
Reflect on the words in Psalm 46. Process it and hold it deep within your mind and heart. Stop time is time to pray. Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV) sums it up well:
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Storms are things, illnesses are things, everything that affects your life is a thing. Philippians 4:6 tells us to be anxious for no-thing. No exceptions are allowed. So whatever your disaster thing is, give it to the Lord in prayer. Your trial or sorrow causing situation may not go away. What will be gone is fear. “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” May the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all today, and everyday.
Be a blessing to someone today.
Until we meet again: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” (Ephesians 6:10)
Verneda
