Pause and Selah This Season

Pause and Selah This Season

Are you feeling busy in this season? Are you feeling the peace that Jesus promised us when we come to Him? I have to be honest and say that I haven’t, and when I cried out to God, I felt He gave me the word “pause.”

The Meaning of Pause & Selah

Pause is closely linked with the word Selah, which we find many times in the Psalms. It is believed to be a musical term that reminds the listeners to reflect on what they have just heard before transitioning to the next part of the music.

I have felt so busy lately—and the holidays really make the word busy come to life, don’t they??! There must be even more intention to slow down during the holidays, when activities—even good activities—can crowd out silence and time with God.

Practicing Pause in a Busy Season

How does one take a pause in the middle of a busy season? One thing I have started doing is setting a timer on my phone to go off three times during the day—morning, afternoon, and evening. The timer is labeled “Praise.” It’s my way of taking my eyes off whatever is happening at that moment and putting them back on Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith.

Here is where I have seen pause in my life recently:

· In Toastmasters, my feedback after my speeches has consistently been to take a pause after certain moments to let the audience digest and process what I am saying.

· I also recently received the revelation that I am currently in perimenopause. This is a transition in a woman’s life that is often defined by many uncomfortable symptoms.

When Life Feels Heavy

Maybe you’re in transition. Maybe your life is anything but comfortable. In fact, maybe it’s filled with pain or grief or longing for something different. Jesus invites us to rest in Matthew 11:28–30:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Pause is a chance to rest, to reflect, and to put our thoughts back on Jesus.

An Invitation to Abundant Life

Do you know Jesus? He offers salvation to all—not just a ticket to heaven—but a life of abundance: abundant joy, peace, and love. Look to Him and let Him show you what an abundant life can look like this side of heaven. Will it be perfect? No. But He can make beauty from ashes, as Isaiah states:

“and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.” —Isaiah 61:3

Practical Ways to Pause This Holiday Season

How will you pause this holiday season? Here are some practical ways to pause:

· Use the timer on your phone to stop you throughout the day for short pauses.

· Let the first minutes in the morning be dedicated to time with the Lord through reading Scripture, prayer, or meditation.

· Start practicing Sabbath—pick a day during the week to let go of to-do lists, emails, and maybe even social media.

A Final Encouragement

Pause and Selah this season and remember where your strength and help come from. Psalm 121:1–2:

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

Heidi Argueta