Mmmmmm Pie!
Psalm 32:5
My grandson was reading his library book. He read, “Mrs. Hen put the apple pie, mmmmmmm, on the table to cool.” The sentence actually was, “Mrs. Hen put the apple pie on the table to cool.” I stopped him and asked him to read the sentence again.
Once more, he added the “mmmm” after apple pie. I told him to look carefully; there was no “mmmm” in the story. He explained to me that he knew that, but he just couldn’t help it! When his mouth said “apple pie,” his mind made him say, “mmmmmm” because he ate some apple pie and he loves it so much.
Like the apple pie, Gods presence, His provision and direction, should be reflected on. In scripture, the word, Selah, is found in the Psalms 71 times and in Habakkuk three times. Selah is thought to mean: “think about this” or “pause and reflect.” God lives in our praises. This does not mean that He has a house with glory paneling and “bless you Lord!” paint. To ‘live in’ means to have substance, to come alive in.
When my grandson thought of apple pie, his memory put substance to the thought. He could remember the fragrance; perhaps even taste the cinnamon and cloves dancing on the back of his tongue. When we praise God, our memory rushes to the forefront, reminding us of the times that God has delivered, instructed and directed.
As David wrote the Psalms, out of his own past experience, he remembered God’s power. Because he had a relationship with God, he could recall the Lord’s majesty and power when he was frightened or lonely. The memory made God’s presence come alive again, right then, “now,” and he was encouraged and comforted.
Selah is a music term that means, “to pause or reflect”. It can also mean an instrumental prelude, you know, ‘background music’ while you think about it. The next time you see the term, “Selah”, reread the verse, think about how God’s servant, David, had stopped to think about what you just read. Then, pause and remember the last time God delivered, protected or glorified His presence in your own life and praise Him. God inhabits (comes alive, has substance in) our praise.
Psalm 32:5 “Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD”– and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah”
Prayer: Father God, thank you for all of the times you have saved me from the traps of the enemy. Thank you for delivering me and giving me direction. The next time I stand in fear help me to think about all the times you have intervened in my life. Amen.