Pause And Reflect
1. Selah
2. Meditation In The Night
3. Psalm 3
4. The Earth Is The LORD’S
5. The King Of Glory
6. The Chariots Of God
7. God Is The Righteous Judge
8. God Is My Refuge
9. Stand Still
10. Be Still
11. Thankful For The Rain
12. Talking To Myself
13. Praising The Lord In Song
14. How To Be A Success
15. God’s Word Is Like A Mirror
1. Selah
Four of our grandsons have been a big help in getting our garden ready to plant, from tilling, to measuring and marking rows, to putting out compost. I still don’t have all of my strength and energy following my last two surgeries and the boys have been a great help. Friday they helped us get the rows ready and helped us set out the 43 plants that I bought. I remembered how hard it had been the last few years, to set out the plants, and this year we were able to get it done so quickly with their help. I walked down to the garden Saturday afternoon to look over the garden. Usually when I tell Michael that I’m going to the garden he will ask if I need him to go with me. Sometimes I need his help, but there are many times that I just want to go look at the garden. I walk from row to row, looking at the little plants, pausing at each group and reflecting on many things. The words, “Pause” and “Reflect” are not in the Bible, but some say that “Selah” may mean “Pause and reflect”, or “Stop and listen”, or “Praise”. When I am in my garden my life slows down and I talk to my Lord. Let’s pause and reflect on God’s Word.
2. Meditation In The Night
Some nights I am awake hours before my mind settles and I go to sleep. In those dark hours I try to pray, for family and friends, and for those who have asked me to pray for specific needs in their lives. Many times my mind is going through scriptures as I think about writing the next devotionals. I enjoy those quiet times with my Lord. Our days are so busy, I am blessed that God gives us the night to pause and reflect on Him.
“1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.” (Psalm 1:1-6)
3. Psalm 3
The little word, “Selah”, is used three times in the third Psalm. As you read this Psalm, pause and think about what David is saying. What is God saying to us?
“1 <<A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.>> LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.” (Psalm 3:1-2)
Our troubles are increased and people may believe that we have no help from God. When I told my doctors that God answered prayers and took away my pain after the last surgery, they just looked at me in doubt. But, I know that God hears me and answers my prayer, which brings us to the next place to pause.
“3 But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
4 I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.” (Psalm 3:3-4)
God alone is our salvation!
“5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.
6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.
7 Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.
8 Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.” (Psalm 3:5-8)
4. The Earth Is The LORD’S
The ground is tilled and ready to plant. I went to Southern States and bought the seeds. I researched about companion planting, which I do every year, and drew my garden plan. I had it ready on paper and in my head, and then… my sister, Donna, gave me a bag containing 55 different varieties of seeds. Many I have never tried, and some I have never heard of. So, I started again with the companion planting guides and have tried to work in as many of the different plants as I can. I can only imagine what it must have been like for Adam and Eve tending the Garden of Eden. Every plant was put here by God for a purpose. Some were for God’s pleasure. “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” (Revelation 4:11) Psalm 24 is a Psalm of praise which David begins, “The earth is the LORD’S, and the fullness thereof…” I hope that my small garden will soon be filled with the bountiful blessing of the Lord. We know some missionaries in Chuuk, Micronesia and she often posts photos of beautiful flowers that grow on their island. Plants are only a part of God’s amazing creation. Waterfalls, beaches, mountaintops, were all created by God. Everything that lives and breathes was also created by our wonderful Lord. “The earth is the LORD’S; and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” Pause and reflect on that.
“1 <<A Psalm of David.>> The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.
3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.” (Psalm 24:1-6)
5. The King Of Glory
Let’s continue with Psalm 24 today. Not only is God our Creator and owner of all the earth, He is the King Of Glory! One day every knee will bow to the King of Glory! Will you open up the door of your heart today and let Him in?
“7 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.” (Psalm 24:7-10)
“11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Revelation 19:11-16)
6. The Chariots Of God
God is the King of Glory, and He has chariots. Have you ever thought about the chariots of God? As Pastor Byerly was preaching recently from Psalm 68 he asked us to think about the chariots of God. He often brings out Bible truths in his sermons and asks us to think about them. It helps us to listen and reflect on ways to use this knowledge in our daily lives.
“17 The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place.
18 Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.
19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.” (Psalm 68:17-19)
He asked if we remembered how Elijah went to heaven? “And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.” (II Kings 2:11-12) This was not the last time that Elisha saw the chariots of God.
“15 And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?
16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
17 And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.” (II Kings 2:15-17)
So, when you think that the wicked are in control of ruling the world, remember that our most Holy God has 20,000 chariots and thousands of angels. That is something that can give us hope during these last days.
7. God Is The Righteous Judge
God is the Creator and Rules the Universe. He is the King of Kings with His 20,000 chariots. In Psalm 50 and Psalm 67 we see that God is the Judge. If people would pause and reflect on the truth that God is holy and righteous, and that He is the Judge, they would turn away from their sin and call on Jesus to save them.
“1 <<A Psalm of Asaph.>> The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.
2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined.
3 Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him.
4 He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.
5 Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.
6 And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah.” (Psalm 50:1-6)
“1 <<To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm or Song.>> God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah.
2 That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations.
3 Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.
4 O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.
5 Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.
6 Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.
7 God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him.” (Psalm 67:1-7)
“And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there. I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.” (Ecclesiastes 3:16-17)
“11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:11-15)
8. God Is My Refuge
Our next Psalm of reflection is Psalm 62 which tells us that God is our refuge. I looked back in my files to find a devotional that I wrote when Michael was in the hospital with heart surgery five years ago. I want to share it today as we think about God being our refuge.
“5 My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.
7 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
8 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.” (Psalm 62:5-8)
On Monday Michael had a rough day at the hospital. When I went in he was sitting in a chair, but it had been a hard endeavor, and caused him pain. The doctor told me that the third day after surgery is often the hardest, and because he had a second surgery, he is having a setback. When I was leaving the CCU, so the physical therapist could come in, I saw a sign over the large double doors, "Point Of Refuge". I notice the words every time I am in the CCU area. I began singing the song, "God Is My Refuge". Later, when I got home I looked it up so that I could understand what the phrase meant in a hospital. I learned that a Point Of Refuge is a designated place for people to go and be safe during an emergency. It is for the elderly, or patients, who can't get out on their own. They can wait there to be rescued. It blessed me to be reminded that God is my refuge. I can't get out of this old world on my own, but I can go to the Lord and be safe until He comes to take me safely home. Praise the Lord! I am sending encouragement to all who are in a storm that God is our refuge, and we can go to Him, and He will keep us safe.
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1)
"In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God." (Psalm 62:7)
"I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust." (Psalm 91:2)
God Is My Refuge
by Janet Paschal
When clouds of doubt hover o'er me,
angry waves toss me to and fro,
there is a place that I can go.
He's a shield from every tempest,
He's an anchor that is sure.
In times like these, it's good to know:
That God is my refuge,
a strong and mighty tower, that I can run to.
God is my refuge,
without Him, what would I do?
Once I drifted from the shelter,
just ahead I could not see
those dark clouds so heavy with rain.
Angry winds blew hard against me,
but He called out and I ran to Him,
and now I am safe from the storm.
9. Stand Still
When our David was around 2 or 3 years old Matt would point the television remote towards him and say, “I’m going to fast forward you.” And it worked, because David would run as fast as he could to get away from his brother. Do you ever wish you could go “Fast Forward”? Would you like to skip May and June for your summer vacation? How about moving forward after surgery, or exams, knowing the worst was over? Maybe you would like to look ahead to see where you will be in 10 years, or even 5? We can’t go into the future, and we can’t even see into the future. What about “Rewind”? Have you ever wished that you could go back in time and change something that you had done? Would you like a chance to correct some decisions that you made? Do you ever think about the good old days and wish you could go back to times when life was easier? We can’t rewind our lives any more than we can go fast forward. Now let’s look at another button on the remote control, the “Pause” button. This one we can do. Sometimes we need to pause. It is good to stop and pray about purchases or big decisions, and pause to think about it before leaping in. It is actually good to pause and ask the Lord about smaller decisions. There are times in my life when I should have paused and thought about it before the awful words came out of my mouth. I used to wonder about the verses describing what happened after God brought the Israelites out of Egypt under the hand of Moses. In Exodus 14:13, as Moses and the multitude stood before the Red Sea, God told them to “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD…” Just two verses later God told them to “go forward.” The command to “stand still” was not a permanent position. It was a moment to pause and see the salvation of the LORD! We would do well to take this advice in our own lives. What a change it would make if we would stop, stand still, and consider what God wants for us, and then when we are sure of His direction, go forward. Following God will bring Him honor through our lives.
“10 And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD.
11 And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?
12 Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.
13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.
14 The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
15 And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:
16 But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.
17 And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.
18 And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I have gotten me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.” (Exodus 14:10-18)
10. Be Still
There are so many blessings we have in going to the house of the Lord. The songs and hymns give praise to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The teaching and preaching give us wisdom in the Word of God and the way we are to follow Him. The fellowship with each other gives us joy. The world can’t understand our love for the Lord and our interest in going to church. Our Selah verse today is Psalm 85:2, “Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah.” “We love him, because he first loved us.” (I John 4:19) We were lost in sin, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) When people who don’t know the peace that comes from forgiveness visit our church, it may take some time for them to understand the message of salvation. The Apostle Paul witnessed of the salvation of Jesus to King Agrippa. “Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” (Acts 26:28) There may be some in the worship service that are almost persuaded to ask the Lord to save them. At the close of the message we have a song of invitation. This time is a very important part of our service. It is a time of pause to reflect on the Word that was preached. We should always be very still and prayerful during this important time. It is a time to be still. “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10) There may be some in the church who are trembling under conviction and need this time to make the decision to call on Jesus to save them. We have this example in Acts 24:24-25. “And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” We rejoice in the salvation God has given us. We should never do anything to stand in the way of someone else who is seeking forgiveness.
11. Thankful For The Rain
When I realized that it was raining Saturday evening, I went out and stood in the rain and lifted my hands and said, “Thank you Lord!” I had read that this was the worst drought in our area since 2008. As I was using a hoe last week to make rows for the compost I noticed how dry and dusty the ground was. I have been praying for rain and the Lord answered my prayer Saturday. We got a very soft gentle rain that will help the young plants and the seeds to come up. I am so thankful! God is good! “I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.” (Psalm 143:6) This verse ends in “Selah” which tells us to pause and think about it. How wonderful it is when we thirst after the Lord and grow in His Word. “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)
12. Talking To Myself
Sometimes at home we have really short conversations that go something like this…
Michael: “Did you say something?”
Me: “No, I’m talking to myself.”
I’m reading in the book of Nehemiah, which I always enjoy. Nehemiah tells me that it’s okay to talk to myself. Nehemiah was a captive in Babylon and his brethren told him how the walls of Jerusalem had been torn down and the city burned. He fasted and prayed in Chapter 1. The king gave him leave to go back to Jerusalem and timber for the repairs. Nehemiah faced great opposition and in Nehemiah 5:7 we read, “Then I consulted with myself, and I rebuked the nobles, and the rulers, and said unto them, Ye exact usury, every one of his brother. And I set a great assembly against them.” He was not bypassing God. He was a man of prayer and he had already consulted with God. At this time Nehemiah consulted with himself. I try to pray about everything. But, sometimes after I pray, I have to pause and think about my options, and I consult with myself. David said, “But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him. Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.” (Psalm 4:3-4) After we talk to the Lord in prayer, it is good to pause and talk to ourselves.
13. Praising The Lord In Song
I enjoy singing praises to my God. I enjoy singing at church in worship. I also enjoy singing when it’s just me and my Lord. Some of my greatest blessings have been when I was singing and God touched my heart and drew me close to Him. This week I was singing, “What Would I Do Without Jesus?” and the tears started flowing as I thought about it. I always enjoyed rocking my babies in the evening when the house was quiet and I could sing, “What A Friend We Have In Jesus” and “Amazing Grace”. I enjoy singing the Christmas songs which bring praise to our celebration of the birth of Jesus. And we sing our favorites of the resurrection, like “At the cross, at the cross, where I first saw the light and the burden of my soul rolled away, It was there by faith I received my sight, and now I am happy all the day!” all through the year. I like the old gospel songs and hymns. I have been singing them as long as I can remember and they remind me of how faithful God has been all through the years. There are three Selah verses about singing to the Lord. This reminds us to pause and think about what we are singing. Sing from your heart in praise to our Almighty God!
“All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah.” (Psalm 66:40
“O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.” (Psalm 67:4)
“Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord; Selah:” (Psalm 68:32)
14. How To Be A Success
I like to look up things online, like health issues and garden information. As I look I see many posts that promise things like instant weight loss, how to reverse cataracts and have perfect vision, and somebody has the answer to just about any problem you have. You can read the little introduction, but to know the secret you have to watch the long video, which ends with a magic pill or something that costs a bundle. I don’t trust any of these quick fixes to really give me success. The Bible tells us how to have success. The word, “Success” is only found one time in the Bible. Before Moses died he wanted God to show him who would lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. God chose Joshua. Can you imagine following in the steps of such an important leader? God was with Joshua and He told him how to have success. “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” (Joshua 1:8) If we want to succeed in life, we must meditate day and night on God’s Word. Read God’s Word, think about it, and do it. The Holy Spirit can give us direction in the decisions that come up in our lives and give us success.
15. God’s Word Is Like A Mirror
Mom sent me a text early one morning that she had called 911. I woke up Michael and we quickly dressed and went to her house. The paramedics were there and thought she should go to the emergency room at the hospital. She wanted us to take her, and we did. We were there most of the day and the doctor decided she needed to stay all night for observation. Mom said we could go and get some lunch since it was getting late in the afternoon. We went to get a sandwich and I went into the ladies room to wash up. I knew how quickly I had gotten dressed so I didn’t even look in the mirror. Later I told Michael that he had been teaching Sunday School in the book of James and it mentions looking in a mirror and neglecting what you see, and compares it to being a hearer of the Word and not a doer. I thought it might be better not to look in the mirror at all, instead of not being able to do anything about the messy appearance I probably had. I don’t think that is what James meant. We should look into God’s Word and hear God’s Word and be a doer of God’s Word. We should not avoid the Bible because we don’t want to know what it says. God wants us to be a hearer of His Word and also to think about it and meditate on it and be a doer of what He says to us.
“22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” (James 122-25)
