Selah

The words listen and silent are constructed of the same letters. We are instructed in scripture to “..be still and know that I am God...” There is a time for doing and a time for hearing what the Lord has to say. You simply cannot be hearing if you are busy doing.

Additionally, we are living in an age where we are bombarded constantly by sound bytes and images from around the world. Most of the newscasts are filled with sad and/or bad news. It is easy to get caught up in the never ending barrage of information. Fear and concern are constant companions and our focus is riveted from one tragedy to another.

In the midst of the uproar we need to be silent and listen to the words of the Bible. They are as timely today as the day they were written. I like the Amplified Bible because it is true to the original Greek and Hebrew. Remember Psalms were written to be sung. Let this be the song of our hearts:

Psalm 46:1-11 (Amplified Bible)

¹GOD IS our Refuge and Strength [mighty and impenetrable to temptation], a very present and well-proved help in trouble.

²Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains be shaken into the midst of the seas,

³Though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling and tumult. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!

⁴There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High.

⁵God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God will help her right early [at the dawn of the morning].

⁶The nations raged, the kingdoms tottered and were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted.

⁷The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Refuge (our Fortress and High Tower). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!

⁸Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has wrought desolations and wonders in the earth.

⁹He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow into pieces and snaps the spear in two; He burns the chariots in the fire.

¹⁰Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth!

¹¹The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Refuge (our High Tower and Stronghold). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!

Regardless of what it looks like in the world today, GOD is still in control. Selah! Pause, and calmly think of that!