letting the SELAH develop

[DeanZF]

Good post.



Yes, fear of silence. Silence is a place where the worship leader is not in control, another big fear. The big cheer of the 80's charismatics was "Let go and let God!" It's still the same large problem.



I have to smile. We SO want God to "show up" in our services, and yet we are SO uncomfortable in providing a space in time for Him to do so.



And of course, this is not just a problem for the WL. The folks in the congregation can sometimes see that empty air as something for THEM to fill. "Oh! I just had a thought pop into my mind, it must be GOD! I'll have to share. 'Thus saith the Lord...'"



Selah times are just like most every other aspect of worship and of life, it's about both revelation and teaching. Folks need to learn to be comfortable in quiet. They need to learn that not everything that pops into their head is God, and that some of what IS God, is for THEM, not for the congregation. Are those things taught out loud any more? Have not heard them for a while.



Had a friend who said that selah times were like showers, times to soak in, times to enjoy, times to be washed, special times just for "me and God", even in a public setting. Thought it was an interesting perspective.