A String of Selah Pearls - Psalm 66:7

Positioned gracefully across the Book of Psalms is a string of seventy-one pearls, lovely beads of wisdom followed by the admonition SELAH which means, “Pause, think on these things, meditate.” 

Psalm 66:7 “He rules forever by his power, his eyes watch the nations—let not the rebellious rise up against him.  Selah.”

Meditation

An American president exerts great power—for four years, possibly eight.   

Senators for six years.   

Representatives, two.

Most of us have at least some authority within our spheres of influence during our brief lifetimes.

But God reigns forever, “re-elected” by his own power.  And he warns all of us, great and small alike, not to rebel against his authority, not to exalt ourselves. 

Yet, how easy it is for us to find reasons to pat ourselves on the back.  Perhaps a simple compliment, such as:

            “You did that job well” or

            “You always look so nice” or

            “I wish I could cook as well as you” or

            “Where did you learn to play piano like that?”

can turn our heads and cause us to exalt ourselves and our abilities above the Creator who gave them to us.

This pearl advises us to guard against self-idolatry.  God loves us too much to let us share his glory.  We would get lost in it.

SELAH

Look up: Psalm 44:8; Jeremiah 9:23-24; I Corinthians 10:31; Romans 1:21-25; James 4:7-10

A String of Selah Pearls - Psalm 66:3-4

Positioned gracefully across the Book of Psalms is a string of seventy-one pearls, lovely beads of wisdom followed by the admonition SELAH which means, “Pause, think on these things, meditate.” 

Psalm 66:3-4 “Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!  So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you.  All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing praise to your name.  Selah.”

Meditation

Until a relatively short time ago, the mighty wonders of the Old Testament God were known by all.  Creation.  The Flood.  Plagues.  Parting of the Red Sea.  Victories in the Promised Land.  You could mention crossing the Jordan without needing to clarify that you were referring to the Bible—not a television series.

That was then.  This is now.  A foul wind has blown around the earth in an attempt to sweep God from our minds and hearts.  But one day, possibly very soon, a blast from on high will reverse the current trends.

God will return and make things right. And those who love him will bow before his power, confess his holy name, and sing his praises.  All will be well with the world . . . at last!

SELAH

Look up: II Corinthians 4:4; I Thessalonians 4:16-17; Philippians 2:5-11