Positioned gracefully across the Book of Psalms is a string of seventy-one pearls, lovely beads of wisdom followed by the admonition SELAH. Most scholars believe SELAH is a musical notation which in Hebrew might have meant, “Pause. . . think on these things ... meditate.”
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“To the LORD I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill. Selah.”
King David followed through on his belief in a faithful God, crying aloud to him. Though the all-knowing LORD could read his very thoughts, David chose to cry out loud. Why did he do that? Why should we consider doing this?
Perhaps verbalizing our troubles helps us organize our thoughts and express our needs. Maybe it helps us recognize answered prayer when it comes. Or maybe it puts Satan (who is not omniscient and cannot read our thoughts) on notice that God’s child has cried for help ... and omnipotent help is on the way!
In our troubles, let’s cast aside our inhibitions and cry aloud to God. We may discover that our prayer life becomes richer, deeper, and more meaningful than ever before.
SELAH PEARL: GOD ANSWERS HIS CHILDREN.
Father God, Scripture says everything is possible for him who truly believes. Yet at times my faith is very small.* Help me remember all the times you’ve answered prayer for me as well as my loved ones, missionaries, and other heroes of the faith. Help me remember how you’ve shown yourself mighty, and faithful, and good. Help me believe your promises to save and to deliver. Help me take you at your word and, like David, be unafraid and unashamed to cry aloud to my LORD and Savior.** Thank you. Amen.
* “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind” (James 1:6).
** “Lord, I believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24).