There is magnificent order and structure to God’s Word — a dedication to intention that flows into the construct of our lives as well. His instructions, guidance, warnings, and encouragement are not haphazardly tossed together in a nonsensical manner. Instead, His Word is a complete story — a narrative strung together by reason and bound by incomprehensible love for us! Composed of history, poetry, songs, parables, and accounts of His devotion and faithfulness, we discover a God who does nothing by accident.

In the Psalms — songs of praise, lament, request, and raw honesty — we find a particular term lending structure throughout: “Selah.” First seen in Psalm 3, a song written by David as he was fleeing for his life, we find the word “Selah” repeated three times. Although the direct meaning is unknown, most find this word to lend technical structure to musical pieces. It gives direction, pause, accentuation, and even interruption. It is placed strategically to help us understand the feeling, intention, and continuation of a musical masterpiece.

These purposeful pauses serve as transitions, positioning our hearts to receive God’s living and active Word.

Considering the placements of “Selah” in Psalm 3, we discern what God would have us pause and steep our minds and spirits in.

In verse 3-4 we read,

“But You, O Lord, are a shield for me,

My glory and the One who lifts up my head.

I cried to the Lord with my voice,

And He heard me from His holy hill. Selah”

It’s as if God is telling us, “Stop here, think on this. I am your shield, and I answer your cries.”

And in verse 8, “Salvation belongs to the Lord; Your blessing be on your people!

“Selah” acts as a prompt, beckoning us to stop and consider the emphasis God places on His promises and truth.