Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Respite Wednesday




Selah

Pause
Poignant moments of peace
Preface to growth
Powerful silence
Pssssst . . . He has something to reveal –


Selah

Appearing 71 times in the Psalms and 3 times in Habakkuk
“To lift up” in Hebrew
From root word “To hang”
No precise definition . . . lots of theories


Selah

“I hear you Lord . . .”
I rest “lifted up” in your palm . . .
“Hanging” limp, spent, saved –


Selah

Defies simple summation
I take comfort in knowing man cannot define it for certain
I hang in the interlude of uncertainty –


At peace
Content
Hammocked
At rest
Contemplative


Peace . . . rest . . . pause . . . await . . . restore . . . ponder . . . enJOY . . .


Behold we count them happy
Which endure.
James 5:11a


* * *

Orchards of Perseverance
Meadows of Delight
Oceans of Praise
Fields of Dreams
Shadows of Respite
Freshets of Joy
Sweet, Sweet Surrender . . . Peace


* * *


Of late, the power of self-control blossoms in Matthew. Communication skills unfurl like new tendrils, clinging to a framework of love, support, devotion, and trust . . . though still battered by a storm of hormones and overload.

Hugs and kisses return. Dances and carefree twirls take place. Clapping and smiles erupt. Oh the joy of asking and receiving.


Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
John 16:24b


Confidence soars . . . peace blossoms in the visage of a boy caught up in a world he cannot face full-fold. He chooses a return to shyness over frustration; avoidance rather than confrontation. And yet a newfound foothold of expression buds into greater communication and bonding threads spawned in areas previously isolated. A pillow once again rests clutched in a bedded-down snuggle rather than an angry grasp. A door at hand offers welcome access rather than a slamming burst of isolation.

As the waters of life churn less and mere flecks of angry foam remain, I ease back and swing in the extended Selah conducted by God. Rain clouds and cold showers usher us away from the gardens and back to hearthside for books and chats and incubations of idea – moments spent in sweet silence.

As always, emotional storms invite reassessment: a survey of the landscape when clouds part, affording a fresh view . . . a honing of plans . . . new hope revealed in areas previously obscured, now laid bare in the windblown aftermath. New perspective . . . a gift that moments of Selah allow me to unwrap and peruse without rush.

The fruits of the spirit hang heavy in some spots, swaying in the windy gusts of growing up “special.” Other places on the tree sport but the merest hint of bud . . . hope of fruit to come. The sweet perfume of Selah wafts gently o’er these Orchards of Perseverance.

Selah





I cried unto the LORD with my voice,
And he heard me out of his holy hill.
Selah.

Psalm 3:4

12 comments:

Flea said...

Isn't it good to know He hears you? Even when His response is puzzling, it's good to know He hears us.

I love the Message version of Galatians 5:22-23:

But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard - things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way.

It was written just for you. :)

Sit-N-Chat said...

How I appreciate your faithfulness to the Lord. I know He is enabling you and you wouldn't "take credit" for it but I appreciate the perseverance you are choosing. I am thankful for the example of trust in the Lord. For the truth you are living. I pray God's eternal blessings on you and your sweet son.

We have been in the house all day with the stomach virus. It has been so long since we had this. Yuck! I drug myself over to the computer. I want to work on a new background but don't know if I have the energy.

Blessings,
Jennifer

Morning Glories in Round Rock said...

peace...joy...hope...prayers answered

joanne said...

Trust unto the Lord with all thy Heart...

Grandma Tillie's Bakery said...

Just checking back to see how you are doing.

Thank you Lord for answered prayers...

Becky said...

I wish I had just the right words... but they fail me.

My friend I am relieved that things are turning...

God Bless and may the selahs be abundant.

kylie said...

deb,
i'm so sorry i missed the last few posts!
i have been generally tired and it made me halfhearted about blogdom.

while i'm sorry i didnt manage to pray for you in a specific way this last little while you can be assured of my continuing interest and prayer.

just this week i watched an australian movie called "the black balloon". it concerned a family with an autistic teenagerand i got just a glimpse of your world.....

a small improvement must be cause for celebration and i praise Him with you

love
k

Sharon Goemaere said...

Simply beautiful!Love~Sharon

Karen Deborah said...

I am always amazed how the Lord can create beauty out of pain. this is one of the most beautiful pieces you have ever written, in my most humble opinion.
love,...me.

Werna Gail said...

So glad the peace of God that passes all understanding has swept over you. The Word of God is so very precious, it always supplies just what we need when we seem to need it the most. Selah

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

You speak to this One Woman's heart. Remember she has fought many of your battles and is much further down the road of life then you my sweet girl. Happy Easter.
A new Beginning.

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

You speak to this One Woman's heart. Remember she has fought many of your battles and is much further down the road of life then you my sweet girl. Happy Easter.
A new Beginning.