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Many hours in my youth were spent on a west coast beach.  Filled with driftwood, it was a great place of discovery and adventure for a little boy.  I would jump from log to log, try to build a fort, or scheme about sailing away on a raft.  Not long ago I returned to that beach and wandered through the logs, driftwood, and other flotsam strewn on the shore.  What amazed me was the contrast.  On one hand, logs and other items had been tossed about effortlessly by the winds and waves.  However, once ashore, much of this material became lodged and immovable in the sand.

In Jude 1:13 we read about those who fall prey to Satan’s temptation.  They are like “wild waves of the sea, churning up their own shameful deeds like dirty foam; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of darkness has been reserved forever.”  Without doubt, the enemy of the Christian is eager to ensnare us in sin.  Satan’s efforts are always towards moral compromise.  But his ploys are not always obvious.

Consider how Satan employs the technique of distraction.  As author Max Lucado put it, “The devil won’t steal your salvation, but he will make you forget what it is like to be lost.”  Are you distracted today?  Has your focus been diverted from Jesus?  Instead of resting in His love and care, we can easily be distracted by disasters, political rumblings, or looming economic upheaval.  That is not to say we cannot care about our community.  This does not mean we abandon a compassionate engagement in this world.  After all, we are taught in Scripture to have love for the people of this world.

At the same time, we are cautioned not to love the lure and temptations of the world.  So, how do we battle against spiritual distraction?  We can log off.  Unsubscribe.  Or turn down the volume.  These are all good actions, but we must have something to which we direct our attention.  In Psalm 46:1-3 we are assured, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.”

In many English translations of the Bible the term “Selah” in found in Psalm 46.  Scholars suggest it is a musical term signalling an interlude in the song.  For the reader of Scripture today, “Selah” encourages us to pause and ponder the significance of what we have just read.  “Selah” signals “think about it!”  In the “Selah” of Psalm 46 we are not counseled to ignore our fear.  But we are given a reason not to be consumed by them.  This centers around the holiness and glory of God.  “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (v.10)

“Be still” or “stop striving” is an important imperative!  Notice the reason for this command:  “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Selah. (v.11)  Especially notice the phrase, “I will be exalted”.  What is that all about?  It is about God’s glory!  One of the most insidious distractions of the devil is draw us into being self-absorbed.  However, when we lean into the glory and greatness of God, we realize something significant.  His exaltation eclipses my confusion, circumstances, and pain.  Rather than living in denial this means receiving a great gift:  my calmness is connected to God’s greatness.

The record of redemption shows that God is invested in what concerns and overwhelms us.  He sent Jesus, His Son to rescue us.  Further, His grace welcomes us into His glorious, eternal purposes.  So, when you are feeling distracted and pulled away from God, remember “Selah”.  Hit pause in your heart.  Ponder His greatness and goodness.  And rest in the truth that His purposes are for His glory and your good.  Just think about that!