Many of the Psalms contain the untranslated Hebrew word “Selah.” Scholars have debated its precise meaning for generations, but most agree it signals a thoughtful pause. I have often suggested that it was a musical pause or an instruction to the performers to emphasize the meaning of the preceding verse. The Psalmist offers a thought so significant that it requires reflection before moving on. In other words, it seems to say, “stop and think about it.” In Psalm 62, we read a powerful exhortation: “Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.” Then comes that small but meaningful word, “Selah.” We are being told to pause, reflect, and let the truth sink into our souls. Trust in God. Pour out your heart before Him. He is your refuge. Stop and think about it.
The purpose of a personal devotional prayer life is exactly that—to “pour out our hearts” to God. There is no mystery in drawing near to God and walking with Him daily. Even Jesus made it His practice to rise early in the morning to spend time alone in quiet communion with His Father. If the sinless Son of God felt the need for daily prayer, how much more essential must it be for us. The word disciple shares the same root as the word discipline. A follower of Jesus must establish the habit of spending time with God and His Word every day. This discipline shapes us. It refines us. When I begin my day by pouring out my heart to God and listening to His voice in Scripture, faith seems to soar—challenges feel lighter, hope grows stronger, and peace settles deeper. But when I neglect that time, the difference is unmistakable. My heart feels more scattered, my thoughts more unsettled. The Psalmist begins his plea by saying, “Trust in Him at all times.” How can we trust someone we barely think about? Trust requires relationship, and relationship requires time.
A beautiful illustration of this comes from early African converts to Christianity. These devoted believers practiced regular private prayer in simple but powerful ways. Each one had their own secluded spot in the thicket where they would go to be alone with God, to pour out their hearts in prayer. Over time, the paths to these prayer places became worn into the earth by faithful footsteps. But when someone began to neglect their time with God, the grass quickly grew back over their path. Their fellow believers, noticing this, would gently offer a loving reminder: “Brother, the grass grows on your path.” May the grass never grow on ours. Selah.