For the past decade or so I have included the Psalms in my personal daily reading of scripture. It has done more to enrich my soul than any other spiritual habit.
When you read the Psalms, have you ever noticed that strange little word selah that often shows up at the end of a line? It appears 71 times in the book of Psalms. Its meaning is not totally clear, but most scholars believe it to be a musical term that calls the singer to pause — like a rest in a measure of music so the person can catch a breath. But since the word was sometimes used in the Old Testament in non-musical passages, it became a call for readers to pause and reflect on what they just read. I like how the Amplified Bible translates selah: “pause, and calmly think of that!”
Selah doesn’t come naturally for me. My wife frequently observes how fast I gobble down my food at the dinner table. I sometimes display the same eating manners when it comes to reading the scriptures. Let me finish my devotional assignment as quickly as possible so I can move on to more productive things! Yes, I’ve read the Bible, but I haven’t taken time to chew it slowly so that God’s Word can “dwell in me richly” (Colossians 3:16).
I’ve been working on slowing down and pausing to reflect on what I’ve read. Sure, it takes a few more minutes, but it’s helping me ingest the Word so that I’m able to carry it with me through the day. I’ve noticed how some truth I’ve read in the morning comes back to my mind when I’m engaged in other activities. I seem to have a deeper, more lasting sense of peace and joy in the rush hours of life.
Mom always said, “Chew your food slowly.” I challenge you to do the same when it comes to the Bible. It may mean taking smaller bites, but you’ll be much more satisfied when you’re finished.
How about you? Have you worked selah into your daily life? If so, how? I’d love to hear from you.







