Intentional 21 Daily Devotional: Selah - Pastor Alyssa Aguilar

“Selah indicates a pause in the text. Selah is a synonym of Hebrew words that mean “forever.” Selah is a derivative of the Hebrew root salal (note the s and l), which means to “raise voices in praise” or “make the instruments louder. David says it in Psalms as an invitation to rest in His refuge and strength. The exact meaning of “selah” is unknown, but it is thought to be a liturgical-musical mark or a reading instruction.” Google Search. 

“Here’s what the Lord God says: “Behold, I set in place in Zion a Foundation Stone, fully tested and proven to be faithful and secure. And written upon this precious cornerstone is this: ‘Those who trust in him will not act in haste.’” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭28‬:‭16‬ ‭TPT‬‬

I know you’re thinking this devotional is going to be me gushing about my daughter, Selah. Well you’re half right. The Lord is teaching me to slow down. To reflect on His goodness so I don’t trip over my feet running to the next thing. He’s teaching me to pause and soak up what’s in front of me because time is fleeting. He is teaching me to take the time to celebrate and cheer on others. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in your own world, trust me, I’m there right now. My whole world revolves around this beautiful gift right here in my arms as I type from my phone because I don’t want to set her down.

 She looks so peaceful with her blue eyes shut. I almost didn’t notice the new dot on her skin, or the way her bottom lip moves inward every once in a while. I know she feels safe in my arms because she’s asleep in them. I’ll tell you, she does not feel safe whenever I’m running around with her in my arms. Her eyes pop open at the wind in her face or the volume of my voice over her sound machine. But when I sit with her, she can relax into how she really feels, sleepy. 

What is right in front of you that needs your attention? Is there anything that would benefit from a slow pace? Maybe your family, or your teammates? Or even your own appearance? Is there a relationship that you are hoping grows? If we take the time, the things in front of us or around us, have time to settle into who and what they are meant to be. 

Whenever Selah does something big she makes the cutest face consisting of a cheesy smile and her tiny tongue out. Maybe you’ve seen it on social media. It’s the sweetest thing, I just laugh in return. My heart explodes with joy when she smiles. The other day we were practicing our rolling over skills and she rolled over so smoothly. I immediately clapped my hands and cheered for her and she kicked her hands and feet in excitement and anticipation—she wanted to go again! 

What in your life makes your heart explode? Make time to do that thing, at least once a month. Maybe it’s friends— text them right now and give them a smile. Don’t feel rushed away from it. Just do it now and you’ll be glad you took the time. 

Who in your life needs the push of a cheerleader, taking the time to watch them fail but then to succeed after a while? Maybe it’s you! Maybe you need to acknowledge your small victories so you can reach the big ones. It just takes slowing down and acknowledging. 

You know exactly what I’m saying. The Lord has such amazing plans for us. We run so fast doing and doing and making sure we do it a specific way— He wants your attention. When we see His face, it makes our heart explode. When we take time to appreciate the victories He has helped us receive in our life, we burst with strength! The word of God says, ”the joy of the Lord is our strength”. He just wants to show you His way of doing and living. And I have to tell you, I am so incredibly thankful that He does. His way is abundantly and exceedingly better than I could ever imagine. As a new mother, I have tried the books, the apps, the advice, but I’ve learned the best thing I can do is get to know my daughter. And the best way I can know my daughter is to know my Father. He continues to teach me. So far, His way is better than any other way, but I had to slow down to realize I needed Him. 

Make a decision to start taking your time and trust God to teach you how. Try it for the rest of your day today. Put a reminder in your phone, and a sticky note on your door to start again tomorrow. You just have to start. You just have to trust. And keep trusting. I started reading a book called Ruthless Elimination of Hurry last year…I’ve been trying to remember to slow down and trust the Lord to guide me. Whenever I succeed, I can’t help but see that God is SO good. My heart bursts at that truth and I want to do it again. 

Here’s what the Lord God says: “Behold, I set in place in Zion a Foundation Stone, fully tested and proven to be faithful and secure. And written upon this precious cornerstone is this: ‘Those who trust in him will not act in haste.’” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭28‬:‭16‬ ‭TPT‬‬

There is no coincidence that this truth is written on a “Foundation Stone“. This truth should be the foundation we build our perspective upon!

Engagement: 

Go back and actually answer the questions. Apply them today. Don’t wait. 

Im currently listening to “Slower I go” by SEU Worship

Highly recommended resource: Ruthless Elimination Of Hurry by John Mark Comer 

Pastor Alyssa Aguilar