SELAH – (To Pause and Calmly Think About That) – Poetry

Do we take the time to just “Selah”
To rest in the moment
To ponder the sky

To treasure the moment
The richness therein
We could just sit for hours
Much better than zen

To sit and to think
Meditate where we are
The blessings in life
What has brought us this far

Or do we allow
Our thoughts to be sold
Down the river of doubt
Where darkness takes hold

Do we surround ourselves
With radical noise
Music, T.V.
Or technologies toys

We are being so robbed
We do it ourselves
Let society dominate
It comes in so stealth

The heart of Creator
Cries out loud
All the beauty He’s made
Treasures to be found

Ignored and bypassed
For something much less
The splendor of creation
Under the rug it gets swept

Don’t let technology
Become your God
Forgetting who made you
Forgetting His love

Stop and “Selah”
You can choose to awake
Don’t be swept down the river
Of His Wonders partake

copyright Jean Chamblee 2010

Question: “What does selah mean in the Bible?”

Answer: The word selah is found in two books of the Bible, but is most prevalent in the Psalms, where it appears 71 times. It also appears three times in the third chapter of the minor prophet Habakkuk.

There is a great deal of uncertainty about the meaning of selah. Most versions of the Bible do not attempt to translate selah but simply transliterate the word straight from the Hebrew. The Septuagint translated the word as “daplasma” (“a division”). Well-meaning Bible scholars disagree on the definition of selah and on its root word, but since God has ordained that it be included in His Word, we should make an effort to find out, as best we can, the meaning.

One possible Hebrew word related to selah is calah, which means “to hang” or “to measure or weigh in the balances.” Referring to wisdom, Job says, “The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with pure gold” (Job 28:19). The word translated “valued” in this verse is the Hebrew calah. Here Job is saying that wisdom is beyond comparing against even jewels, and when weighed in the balance against wisdom, the finest jewels cannot equal its value.

Selah is also thought to be rendered from two Hebrew words: s_lah, “to praise”; and s_lal, “to lift up.” Another commentator believes it comes from salah, “to pause.” From salah comes the belief that selah is a musical notation signifying a rest to the singers and/or instrumentalists who performed the psalms. If this is true, then each time selah appears in a psalm, the musicians paused, perhaps to take a breath or to sing a cappella or let the instruments play alone. Perhaps they were pausing to praise the One about whom the song was speaking, perhaps even lifting their hands in worship. This theory would encompass all these meanings—“praise,” “lift up,” and “pause.” When we consider the three verses in Habakkuk, we also see how selah could mean “to pause and praise.” Habakkuk’s prayer in chapter 3 inspires the reader to pause and praise God for His mercy, power, sustaining grace, and sufficiency.

Perhaps the best way to think of selah is a combination of all these meanings. The Amplified Bible adds “pause and calmly think about that” to each verse where selah appears. When we see the word selah in a psalm or in Habakkuk 3, we should pause to carefully weigh the meaning of what we have just read or heard, lifting up our hearts in praise to God for His great truths. “All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing the praises of your name. Selah!” (Psalm 66:4).

What Is Missing When Vacation Brings No Rest?

 

It is not in me. (Job 28: 14)

I remember saying one summer, “What I really need is a trip to the ocean.” So I went to the beach, but the ocean seemed to say, “It is not in me!” The ocean did not do for me what I thought it would. Then I said, “Perhaps the mountains will provide the rest I need.” I went to the mountains, and when I awoke the first morning, I gazed at the magnificent mountain I had so longed to see. But the sight did not satisfy, and the mountain said, “It is not in me!”

What I really needed was the deep ocean of God’s love, and the high mountains of His truth within me. His wisdom had depths and heights that neither the ocean nor the mountains could contain and that could not be compared with jewels, gold, or precious stones. Christ is wisdom and He is our deepest need. Our inner restlessness can only be pacified by the revelation of His eternal friendship and love for us.

~ Margaret Bottome  “Streams In The Desert”  Aug. 26

Matthew 11:28
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

 

REFRSHING RAIN

God, He loves you so very much

He wants you to come to Him

So He can fill your cup

The cup of your soul cannot be satisfied

Only in the spirit where His love for you abides

No longer chase the earthly things

For what cannot be attained

Only In our Father can come refreshing rain.

by Jean Chamblee   2017

Rare Recommendation

I rarely recommend books or teachers…..but in truth, next to the Bible….this is the most helpful and eye-opening book I’ve ever read.  I was crushed when it went out of print a few decades ago and I had lent it out and never got it back.  But recently it was picked up and re-published and it is just as helpful today as it was then.     ‘God Meant It For Good” by R.T. Kendall     It gave me a perspective and understanding of how God uses tragedies in our lives and  it helped me to see His hand at work in a new way.  Many things in my life made sense after I read this book.   It was life changing to me and gave me peace, even about the bad things that I had gone through.    Anyway…..I recommend it highly to all seekers of truth.  It is Biblically based and indeed about the life of Joseph in the Bible …..but in such a way and depth I have never heard from another teacher.    Hope you will go for it  …..it can be found on Amazon.com      “God Meant It For Good”   R.T. Kendall      (Best $10 you’ll ever spend)

Blessings

Link:      http://a.co/gQIKy42

QUIET TIMES – Poetry

Calmly walking by the bay
The mist is rising up
It crests the rocks and scatters ‘round
And peace, it fills my cup

As I walk and seek You
Silent and alone
My soul it lifts to meet You
My heart lifts to Your throne

Standing in your presence
Your warmth shines on my face
Just as real as earth is
I’m home here in this place

These moments are so holy
Sweet and set apart
As I see reflections face
Your love it fills my heart

Solid our connection
Fruitful are Your words
As they speak into my soul
My place with You assured

Don’t let it break away now
As I enter back inside
A place in our society
It seems no place to hide

Yet it takes a moment
To close my eyes and see
Our beautiful collection
Of quiet times with Thee

copyright 2016 Jean Chamblee Thomas

The Busyness Beast – Poetry

I am so guilty of running ahead
And doing things
Before I know what You’ve said

I always seem to end in a mess
Why is it so hard
To slow down and rest

Exactly what am I trying to prove
You already love me
Nothing more I can do

To change who You are
Your favor towards me
Is always a constant
As I dwell with Thee

There’s a time for everything
Under the sun
There’s a time to slow down
And a time to run

A time to be busy
And a time to rest
A time to snuggle Lord
Close to your chest

I know your Word says
Be led forth in peace
Help me to calm
My “busy-ness” beast
copyright 2009 Jean Chamblee

Speak Softly To My Broken Soul – Poetry

Speak so softly to my broken soul
No one else can make me whole
Gently, gently Spirit speak
Hold me closely kind and meek

Pain so deep no words express
Just a tear falls on my breast
Dripping from my eyes of blue
No idea Lord what to do

Such a time I have not seen
Maybe so, life’s been quite mean
Icy cold most people are
Except the few sweet shining stars

On this I set my heart of hope
That somewhere there’s a lighter note
Can I sing again, oh my soul
Can I speak of being whole

In Your arms is where I lie
I know you keep the tears I cry
Feeling deeply loving long
I wish again to sing Your song

Trusting You, Who never fails
Waiting for Your Spirit’s sails
Into the sunset I will gaze
Lifting up a quiet praise

Heaven is my dream of dreams
No matter those my hope demean
I know You’re real with all my heart
Lift me up my soul impart

Give me joy and wholeness too
I know You will I trust in You
Heal me Lord so deep within
Remove from me all lingering sin

Set me on a path that’s right
Help me Lord escape the night
Of all around the daggers fly
Lift me to your Presence high

copyright 2016   Jean Chamblee Thomas

Eyes That See Things Differently – Poetry

The wonder of a sweet, sweet heart
Is there for God to see
You think you’ve got it all messed up
But I’ve got news for thee

All the little things you do
The ways that your heart cares
Does not go without a nod from God
Please know that He’s aware

We focus on the screw-ups
And think that’s all there is
God does not see us that way
Especially when we are His

He sees us as His children
His love will not depart
As long as we stay close to Him
He will reveal His heart

God sees things so differently
Than we see things ourselves
He looks with love upon us
We’re never on the shelf

He actively awaits us
To turn our thoughts to Him
To come into His presence
So He can help us win

He takes such joy in watching
Our journey on the earth
I guarantee that you are more
Than what you think you’re worth

It’s times we focus on Him
And try to do His will
That shines like light before Him
We can continue still

So if you’ve royally blown it
Like I’ve done time and again
Don’t let that keep you from Him
Just start your walk again

Come into His presence
As you lie upon your bed
Start the conversation
Read the words He’s said

Know that God, He loves you
Like you’ve never been loved before
Let your sins be washed away
He’s waiting at the door

How simple is  “I’m sorry”
To come between your lips
Then you can start the dance again
Your past it will eclipse

You are loved more than I can say
Dare to make amends
Dare to believe what I have said
Come to Him again

copyright  Jean Chamblee  2010

A.D.H.D. Society – Poetry

Why is it hard to simply sit still
To take a little time to rest?
We are driven by what?
That mystery force
That says we must do our best

Is that all it is?
This life I mean
How much can we produce?
The days slip away
And then they are gone
Did we really get what life is worth?

A little girls smile
A tear for awhile
Making a mud pie in the dirt
Did we miss all those things
And not realize
Their value and what they were worth

Get militant I say
Harness the day
Don’t let society rule your world
Cause when it’s all done
And the race is won
Spent wisely I hope you will say

copyright Jean Chamblee 2009

“I WANT YOU TO BE THERE!”

JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!!! AND I’M SO HAPPY ABOUT THAT!!

“It is finished” He said on the cross…..our debt has been paid!! Nothing that happens in this life can compare to the awesomeness of heaven. “Call on the name of the Lord” “Draw near to Him” He loves you… Don’t miss out on His gift to us……. You are greatly loved.

Give yourself to Him and be His bride for all eternity! He will always be faithful! Nothing we give up here to follow Him will ever compare.

Romans 10: 8-13   “But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Are you a “whoever”?  He’s just waiting for your invitation!  Don’t delay!!  Please!!  I want you to be there…..in heaven too!

Love to you,     Jean

Under His Wings – Devotional Thoughts

As we take this scriptural posture…we place ourselves under His wings.

 1 Peter 5:6-8

 “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,  casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

1. “humble” (verb)  to lower (oneself) in dignity or importance.  For example:  I knew he had humbled himself to ask for my help.

Admitting your need to God and asking Him for His help is a part of humbling yourself.

   2.  “mighty hand”   There is an element of faith here in acknowledging that His hand IS mightier than your own ability to accomplish something.  

3.   “due time”  There is a submission to God’s timing and will here. A laying down of self promotion and exaltation, with a promise that when you do things His way…then HE will exalt you and do what is best for you on His time table (due time).

4.  “casting your care”   We are not meant to carry worry and fear.  When fear is removed there is room for something much better.

5.  “for He cares for you”    Fretfulness and care is damaging to the soul.  Because He cares for you, He wants you to give Him your troubles, in faith, and let Him handle it for you.  His way.

All these put together spell LOVE from a heavenly father.  A roadmap to follow.  A roadmap for peace.  

Have a great day!   You are loved!