Pause and think about it...
"My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skilled writer." Psalms 45:1
The word Psalm means a sacred song. The collection of poetry known as Psalms is a collection of sacred songs/poetry that were sung to the Lord. Throughout the book of Psalms you will discover notations made to the choirmaster. In some instances, we are even told the name of the tune that should be used as the accompanying music. King David had one of the largest and most skilled assemblies of singers, musicians, and dancers ever gathered to sing and perform unto the Lord. Today, we have the benefit of reading the written words of the poets but, unfortunately, we miss the beauty of the accompanying original musical compositions.
The term "selah" is a musical term which means to pause. A pause is used to give dramatic emphasis to a sung phrase. Often when I read the Psalms I read the word selah, I tell myself, "think about it." And often when I "think about it" I think about the diversity of talents and gifting in the children of God. I think about the fact that most of the songs in the book of Psalms were written by a king and leader of Israel. David was obviously creatively gifted.
David was a fearless warrior whose exploits in battle were well known by all. However, David was also a reflective, skillful writer of songs of love, worship, and truth to the Living God. He wrote music and had an ear to know how it should be played, accompanied, and performed. He was not ashamed to show emotions in his inspired creativity. He could skillfully play an instrument, quiet demons, inspire with the words he sang, and he could unabashedly dance before the Lord.
When I became a Christian over thirty-six years ago, creativity and artistry were not honored giftings in the body – even today there is much resistance to artistry. Artistic talents were often looked upon as expressions of the flesh which needed to be eliminated from our lives in order to be more like Christ. Determined to be pleasing to God, and more zealous than wise, in my late teens I destroyed all my artwork and tossed all my love for music to the winds. I came to despise the things within myself that craved expression and an outlet. I sought to destroy the very gifts that God placed in me to worship Him and express my love for Him. How many years I wasted being frustrated and confused as to why I couldn't "kill" the inner desire to write, draw, sing, and dance with the love I had in my heart for God.
Contemporary Christian music was just being birthed during that period, and it wasn't receiving a joyous welcome from the religious and traditional church. My husband and I eagerly listened to this "new" music that was being played in the early hours in the morning (1 a.m.) by an adventurous radio station in Raleigh, N.C. Yet, I struggled with whether this exhilarating, Word based music could really be of God. We had friends who thought the music was of the devil. When I felt called to start a dance team in our church the battle was raging in the corporate church as to whether dance was a valid form of worship. How many churches would have rejected the giftings and ministry of King David had he dared to enter their portals? Or are we like Michal and laugh and judge the artists as they display the works of their hearts? Selah -Think about it.
Within the past twenty years a little acceptance has grown in the body for those who are artistically gifted. Some creativity has been allowed in the doors and varied methods of expression are being entertained as viable, although variety is still often not embraced. Some of the artistry that is currently being brought forth by God's Spirit is beautiful and inspiring. And as His return soon approaches He is taking His artisans to new depths in Him. He is bringing life to the areas of His body which were dead.
The church often suffers the short-sightedness of its time in history and is held back by man’s traditions and religiousness. The corporate church is quick to note and denounce the current fads of the world, but fails to realize it imposes its own fads, traditions, and cultural boundaries on the body of Christ. Artistry will never be an idol in my life, but I have come to understand that it is a gift from God. If that gift is submitted to Him, and dedicated to His glory it will blossom and bring forth life in abundance.
As you develop your relationship with Him, I pray that you may you discover your gifts to the body. Not all are teachers, pastors, etc. and not all are artistic in the sense of music, dance, or visual arts, but to each has been given a gifted place in their life from which the life of God flows with ease. Are you a quiet pool where people can come and be heard and refreshed? Are you one of those where the wounded can have the waters of life applied by the words you speak - or the arms you offer in comfort? Is your gift found in the lullaby you will sing tonight to the child with which you have been blessed – or the child you hold in your arms as a missionary? Does your gift exhibit itself in the orderliness in which you live – in the example you are of life dedicated to our King?
Your life is your psalm to Him. Your prayers are like poetry. God loves you so much He desires to sing in harmony with you. Do you give yourself time to reflect on Him and know Him as David did? Do you ask God to raise up your gifts to His glory? Selah. Think about it.
Orginally written over ten years ago - added to and edited today :)
