My “Selah”

My favorite holiday is officially done for the year, my fridge is bursting at the seams from all the leftovers – much like the people in my home and those who shared in the celebration of gratitude – and the majority of my Christmas shopping is done. My home smells of savory chicken and turkey broth, there’s finally snow outside, and I can’t help but feel content. Then the devil tries to steal my peace and joy… but he’s already been defeated. Sometimes a reminder is necessary, am I right?

I spent a week in Pennsylvania visiting family. It was a trip of reuniting with cousins, aunts and uncles – some I hadn’t seen in 20 years; relationships were deepened over morning coffee, but it was mainly a trip that introduced some harsh new realities and brought about some very hard good-byes.

There’s a commercial that’s been running lately, Apple came up with it for the 2019 holiday season, and it hits me hard every time. My family has started teasing me about it because even when I only hear it, I can’t stop myself from tearing up. I’ve started vacating the room, humming aloud to nonsense in my head, and sometimes that still doesn’t stop my eyes from betraying me.

The commercial portrays the stress of the holiday season, but mainly focuses on the continued grief after the death of a loved one. It not only speaks to those who have lost loved ones, but to those who still have loved ones to hold on to – those who have a shared grief and those who are cherishing the last precious moments given to them. And I’m pretty sure everyone can relate to the stress that accompanies the holiday season.

I’ve experienced stress – I’ve also experienced loss. I’ve mourned babies, family, and friends. Grieving has become familiar, but never easier. Tools for how to handle stress productively have been learned, but carrying myself in such a way still takes a conscious effort. Stress and loss used to easily drive me into a dark place within, but I’ve started choosing to seek comfort in God’s Word instead. “The righteous cry out and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 (NIV) – but what does that really look like?

I mentioned before, in a previous post, that my husband and I have been studying the holy communion. I noticed something while reading that was a bit off on a rabbit trail from what we were learning, but I couldn’t help myself from doing a little curious venturing…

In reading about Moses parting the Red Sea, I tried to imagine myself as one of the Israelites. After witnessing, first-hand, the power of God – the plagues and the Passover (Exodus 7-12), being delivered of any and all physical infirmities (Psalm 105:37), and leaving Egypt with more wealth than befits someone being freshly released from 430 years of slavery (Exodus 12:31-51)… everything seems to be getting better and better. Then the Egyptian army has them trapped against the Red Sea.

Now the Israelites are faced with no visible way out. Death is before them by way of the Red Sea, and death is coming up fast behind them, delivered with force by the enemy who just lost its prince and every other firstborn son. I can imagine panic striking the hearts of all the Israelites; cries of anguish because the end was sure to strike, and grief of so many lives they’re sure will be cut short. Then Moses addressed them:

“Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”” Exodus 14:13-14 (NIV)

“Stand firm…” Other translations have it as “Be still…” A fairly popular passage is Psalm 46:10, typically found on coffee mugs, shirts, or wall décor, reminding us to “Be still and know.” I’m going to type out more than I normally would because I want you to get the full picture:

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging – Selah. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress – Selah. Come and see the works of the Lord, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress – Selah.” Psalm 46 (NIV)

The edge of the Red Sea… the Israelites are told to stand firm, be still, and to watch God deliver them. What does this look like? I imagine them walking across the Red Sea (on dry ground), stepping around or over some of the 300 plus species of coral, possibly being able to see some of the 1200 species of fish, and maybe seeing spinner dolphins, turtles, and mantas. Then they get to the other side and, I imagine them breaking out a snack as they listen to God’s instructions… they stand firm, they’re being still and they watch God deliver them.

Notice that King David says “Selah” a couple times. This word is typically used as a pause or break; a time to pause and reflect and to listen. I can’t help but pause and reflect on who God says He is to me… and listen to what He says about me. God tells us that He’s our Refuge, our Strength, our Mighty Warrior, our Strong Tower, our Dread Champion, our Peace, our Salvation, our Righteousness, and the list goes on and on and on. I want to break out some snacks and watch Him fight my battles because He already won. He spread His arms wide, as far as the east is from the west, He made sure His victory would never be compromised.

“… the Egyptians you see today you will never see again…” What are the “Egyptians” in your life right now? What is causing you grief, panic, stress, or angst? Instead of assuming that you’re going to be overtaken, losing sleep over things outside of your control, having your health suffer due to the stress you hold tight to, why not sit back with a tub of popcorn and watch God fight for you? Or pull out a selah?

We all have “Egyptians” that we feel have us pinned against the Red Sea, whether it’s a health issue with family or friends, financial struggles, or facing the consequences of past actions… Be still… Stand firm… Selah… He will fight for you (He already has, He annihilated the enemy, and He doesn’t stop fighting on your behalf). Trust that He is a good God… Selah.