Life in the Interlude

"I think of God, and I moan,
overwhelmed with longing for his help." Psalm 77:3 NLT

Have you ever felt like your life is going nowhere? Has your life been interrupted?

The book of Psalms is a worship book. It was meant to be used in corporate worship. We usually read the Psalms, but in ancient times they were sung or chanted. In the lyrics of the Psalms are breaks called Selahs. The actual meaning of the word Selah is uncertain. Selah seems to have been inserted by the ancient writers for a time of reflection. The New Living Translation uses the word Interlude.

We all go through "interludes" in life. Things seem to be going along fine and then, illness, crisis, or times of stagnation--where we just seem to be going nowhere- come our way.

These pauses, interludes or Selahs, can be discouraging, disheartening and depressing. They can also be times to grow closer to God. The interludes of life can cause us to draw near to the Lord, to reflect on His goodness, His timing, His faithfulness, even during hopeless situations.

I have gone through interludes that have lasted weeks, months, and even years. Looking back, I can see that they really were not pauses in life, but times when the Lord drew me closer to Him. The impact that He had on me and those around me wasn't evident at the time. Looking back I now see the profound impact during the interludes.

Psalm 77 does not end with hopelessness. During the interlude the writer drew closer to God and was filled with hope. He declares:
"O' God your ways are holy. Is there any God as mighty as you? You are the God of great wonders."

Are you in one of the interludes of life? God does not see your interlude as an interruption, but part of His bigger plan for you.

Embrace the interlude. Put your hope in the Lord!