Calm Down!

Calm down! Who has not heard these words? When everything seems to be going wrong and one is very upset he or she may hear the command to "calm down" from a companion who has the voice of reason in that moment. When something wonderful happens and one s extremely excited the command to "calm down!" may come again. Over-the-top emotion, whether positive or negative, may require a time of calm. 

If you are apparent, you have probably spoken these words as well. Children are extremely susceptible to large emotional mood swings. Add to that the excessive energy that most little ones have and you come up with the perfect conditions for an extremely loud “CALM DOWN!!!” From temper tantrums to overly exuberant celebrations, the swings can be excessive. 

Throughout the Psalms we are often told to calm down. The word is Selah. The literal definition of this word is to pause and calmly think about that. Because the Psalms were often songs that were a part of public worship, this term was extremely valuable. The entire congregation of worshipers would take a moment to think about what they had just sung.

In life we have many types of Selah moments. When things are troubling around us we may become overwrought with fear or even dread. Concern may escalate to a state of emotional paralysis. This is the time to step back and realistically look at the situation. Although things may be difficult at that time, the circumstances are often blown out of proportion in our minds. Attempting to pray in our agitated state, we may simply begin to babble about the problem. During this God says “calm down.”

Excitement can be another time when we go overboard with her emotions. A good thing can happen and we can get so excited about it that we have difficulty functioning in other areas of our life. Anticipation overrules practicality. Instead of focusing on the tasks at hand, the mind can go into overdrive considering all the possibilities and implications of this new occurrence.

Psalm 3 contains three places where the term Selah is used. King David has been running from his son, Absalom. He opens the Psalm by writing, “Lord, how they are increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me. Many are saying of me, there is no help for him in God. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!” (Psalm 3:1-2 AMP) Notice the first place we are told to calmly consider what has been said. David is looking at his enemies and the mockery of him for enduring for believing that God will help him. David has a real problem, but if he focuses on the urgency of the moment and the taunts of the enemy, he may lose heart. By stepping back and calmly considering his dilemma in light of the God he is speaking to, his perspective changes.

The next words out of his mouth show this change. He is now looking at how great our God is. “But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. With my voice I cry to the Lord, and He hears and answers me out of His holy hill. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!” (Psalm 3:3-4 AMP) David was now growing in excitement as he worships God. Here he not only sings praises to the Almighty, but he contemplates all this truly means. He understands that God will answer and care for him.

Because he understands this, David can go about his daily life. The enemies are still there but David’s heart secure. “I lay down and slept; I wakened again, for the Lord sustains me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me round about. Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God! For You have struck all my enemies on the cheek; You have broken the teeth of the ungodly.” (Psalm 3:5-7 AMP) He still has an enemy to face, but he is more aware of Almighty God walking beside him protecting him.

In the final verse David states with confidence, “Salvation belongs to the Lord; May Your blessing be upon Your people. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!”Psalm 3:8 (AMP) His mind has turned from not only his current situation but to God who rescues from all calamity. He is also considering all of God’s people now. By calmly considering the greatness of God, David has gone from fear to faith and from concern for his band of followers and himself to all people who follow God. I can almost see David dancing with joy as he considers the salvation of God. But then he chooses to calmly consider all of God’s great attributes.

This is a great example of the benefits of calming down. When we pause and calmly consider both our situations and the greatness of God, we too will see things as they truly are. We will go from fear to faith and a narrow vision that includes only those around us and ourselves to love and concern for the entire world.

Whatever is going on in your life today, take a Selah moment. Pause and calmly think of the faithfulness of God, His protection and deliverance, and the great plans He has for you and all of His children.