Day 10: Pause and Reflect

"Selah." Psalm 44:8 NKJV

After sharing great truths and insights with us, the psalmist often uses the word "Selah." It means "pause and reflect." For years people have said that experience is the best teacher. But the truth is, evaluated experience is the best teacher! Stopping to reflect is one of the most important activities you can do in order to grow. It provides a superior value than motivation or encouragement because it lets you make sure you're going down the right road. After all, if you're on the wrong track, you don't need motivation to move faster. You need to pause, reflect, and change course. In describing the end times, the Bible says, "Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase" (Da 12:4 NKJV). You will note that it says "knowledge" will increase, which is information, facts, and data, but it doesn't say understanding will increase. With a sharp intellect and a good memory, you can retain lots of knowledge. But in order to have understanding, you must take the time to drill down and understand what you're seeing and hearing. Galileo said, "All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered. The point is to discover them. That takes investigation." By pausing and reflecting, you can sort through the experiences you have, put them into perspective, and glean from them the wisdom required to have a better future. These are often referred to as "aha" moments, when you experience sudden understanding or insight. It's when the proverbial light bulb switches on. Only a few things in life are better than moments like that. But these moments only come to those who take the time and effort to pause and reflect.