This episode was recorded in the fall, when many are going back to school or refreshing our schedules after summer.  Maybe you’re in that seasonal switch, or just feeling overwhelmed with the demands of everyday life.  Maybe you’re even feeling really accomplished, but need to remember God’s goodness even on the “mountain tops.”

 

No matter the time of year, we all need to practice the power of pause, to open our eyes and ears and re-set our hearts on God’s sovereignty in a world that often seems out of control.  In living the “inviting life,” God doesn’t need us to welcome Him; He will do what He will do.  BUT, there is so much joy when we do!

 

The word "Selah" is used 71 times in Psalms, and it has connections to musical or poetic use. While scholars debate its actual meaning, the general consensus is that it means some variation of, pause, praise, or “pause to calmly think about that.”  

 

It’s also used three times in Habakkuk 3, where I think we can pull some meaning that applies to our everyday life, and our need to learn the power of pause as we go about our calling to the #invitinglife.

 

The creation imagery is a reminder of God’s reign over creation. The repetition of “selah” in this chapter seems to recognize this with awe and a proper sense of fear, along with humble praise for God’s wrath over sin and protection for His people.

 

We can set up wise patterns in our life that foster worship and rest by practicing pause.  We give Him proper credit when we take time to contemplate His glory.  (See this idea explored in how God’s excellence is displayed in beauty in Episode 14 Beauty & Worship.) We may appreciate God’s glory, provision and protection especially when we practic “pause” amidst hardship.

 

Here are some ways we can practice the power of pause:

 

• Pray. 

• Process

• Prioritize

• Plan

• Play

• Proceed

 

(See full show notes to find an explanation of each of these steps.)

 

The Greek word Pauo in the New Testament means to stop, or to cease.  It’s used in 1 Peter in a command to to stop SINNING. (source)

 

It’s also used in Luke 8:22-25 in a story about Jesus - “One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” So they set out, and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?”

 

When life presses in and we are fearful for ourselves, whether literally or figuratively, we can remind ourselves that God maintains sovereign rule over all creation.  We can press pause and know that He will never leave us or forsake us, and that our lives are in His keeping (if we are children of God in Christ)!

Our little puppy Biscuit is a little furry ball of energy.  When I’m rushing around trying to accomplish anything, she’s always right at my feet.  Maybe the funniest quirk of hers is that when you walk toward her she often flops onto her back, pleading with her actions, “rub my belly.”  She feels completely safe, in the midst of chaos, to yield her belly to us.  It’s kind of the WORST when she’s gotten into trouble and she does it; she knows she’s loved despite it and because she is loved, we give her what she wants.

 

Flop at His Feet

 

Do we feel this complete sense of safety and love from our Heavenly Father?  Have we spent enough time in His story and at His feet to know that no matter what is happening around us, we can flop at His feet and revel in His goodness?  Yes, there are times when He will discipline us, but in every season, we can drop and worship Him, and rejoice in His goodness toward us, in His God-ness, His rule over creation and His kindness and fierce protection toward His children.

 

Wherever you are in this season of life, I dare you to make “selah” a part of your daily rhythm. No matter what’s happening, let’s make space to pause, rest, and revel in God’s glory.  And let’s “pauo,” stop everything - or cry out to God to save you when you feel like you might not actually make it - because He has the power to do so.  Flop at His feet - make space for Him to do what He will do.

 

Resources mentioned:

A Grace-Filled Beginning free planning course

Episode Beauty and Worship - The Ultimate Welcome

 

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