I have heard that when the word, selah, is written in the Bible, that we are to pause and think about what was just said.  I looked up the word at dictionary.com, and it said that it is a noun, "an expression occurring frequently in the Psalms, thought to be a liturgical or musical direction, probably a direction by the leader to raise the voice or perhaps an indication of a pause."  Either way, it was a way to emphasize what had been said.  If the Word is giving us direction to really stop and think about what He has just said, we should do just that.  I decided to collect my thoughts regarding the selahs and see where the Lord takes us through them!

This morning, in my study, I came across Psalm 46:7.  I think it is a great place to start!  It says, "The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah."  Our God is the Commander of the armies of heaven, The LORD of hosts, our Jehovah Sabaoth!  He created the angels, His hosts, and they do His pleasure (Psalm 103:21), minister to us (Hebrews 11:14), and "do his commandments" (Psalm 103:20).  The One Who created the heavens and the earth, and all those angels, "is with us!"  Now, isn't that worth stopping to think about? 

As for the phrase, "the God of Jacob is our refuge," it represents God's keeping His promises.  Jacob is the one who saw so many of God's promises fulfilled:  he had the children that became a great nation; God's chosen people were named for him (the children of Israel); he saw the nations of the earth be blessed through his children (Promise:  Genesis 22:18; first part of the fulfillment:  Genesis 41).  That I can find refuge in such a God is incredible.

Now, I would like to discuss the refuge part.  In the Old Testament, God established cities of refuge where a descendant of Israel could run and be safe if they killed someone accidentally and the family was seeking his/her life in restitution.  The cities of refuge were walled and gated.  A person had to run toward the city screaming, "Refuge!!  Refuge!!!"  The gate would open, the person could enter and be safe!!!  I am so thankful that the God Who keeps His promises is my place of refuge!!  When I need a safe place, I can cry, "Refuge!  Refuge!!!"  I can enter His loving arms and be completely safe!!!!  

The Commander of the armies of heaven is with me, right now, and the God Who keeps His promises is where I can run to hide!!!  Now, that is cause for pause!!!!