In a fast-paced world defined by busyness and noise, Malaysian singer-songwriter Tim Lim invites us to breathe, pause, and reflect. Having worked with Charles Pudin before on a major statement of God’s glory in the shape of the worship single “Glory to You“, he now returns with a full-length Gospel/worship-themed album titled SELAH – a work that is the result of personal devotion and a deep sense of needing to leave space for the soul.
“We live in a fast-paced world and sometimes it’s so difficult to find time and space for ourselves,” Tim shares. “The word Selah is an invitation to ‘stop and listen’ so that your soul can reflect and find space to be refreshed.”
The Heart Behind SELAH
Unlike his earlier EPs and albums, SELAH marks a distinct turn in Tim’s musical journey. These seven tracks – Glory to You, Diving Deeper, Not Ashamed, Come Thou Fount, Lost in Love (instrumental), Amazing, and Endless Light – are worship songs birthed not for the spotlight, but from quiet moments of spiritual reflection.
“The concept of this album is worship songs that I’ve written out of that space of personal devotion,” he explains. “It’s different from the EPs and albums that I’ve released over the years, and I felt I needed to do this album, because it’s such songs that inspired me to be who I am today and shaped my spiritual life.”
Even though the project takes a more Gospel and worship-focused direction than his usual singer-songwriter vibe, Tim is clear that this isn’t about him. “These songs are never about me but about the One who has given us life, and the opportunity to do what I love to do.”
The Spark and the Struggle
The idea for SELAH had been lingering for years, growing quietly in Tim’s archive of unreleased worship songs.
“The idea to do a worship album has always lingered in my mind since I have written worship songs over the years for myself, church and others. Over the years, this idea seemed to pick up momentum… till last year, I felt I have ‘enough’ songs to do it after looking through my archive – so here we are, releasing the SELAH album.”
The album title itself came as a divinely-timed revelation. “Interestingly, I actually had another alternate name for the album… I was at an event and somehow it felt that God led me to pick the name Selah instead. I will never forget that ‘aha’ moment.”
A few days after the event, in a conversation with some of his friends, Tim asked for their feedback on the names, and all of them felt that Selah stood out because of the significant meaning of the word. Appearing frequently in Psalms, the word connotes an invitation to “pause and reflect”, a quieter shift of tone both in today’s world and from the exuberant vibe of Tim’s previous songs. That theme of stillness and reflection would guide not just the message, but the very making of the album.
“Growing up, I always found the word SELAH interesting, especially when you read the Psalms. Through my research and learning, I learnt that it’s like a pause for reflection.
“We live in a fast-paced world and sometimes it’s so difficult to find time and space for God and even ourselves,” Tim reflected. “I would say the message and the mood album is an invitation to ‘stop and listen’ so that your soul is able to reflect and find space to be refreshed.”
From Devotion to Production
Creating SELAH was a challenge both creatively and spiritually for Tim Lim. He took the leap to produce several songs himself, from instrumentation to arrangement, learning as he went.
“I wanted to challenge myself in this area… I was blessed for the advice of many, including David Gary, who advised me on producing while doing the final mix and mastering.”
More than just a musical experiment, SELAH became a spiritual mirror. “It also challenged me to ‘live out’ the concept of the album… it’s so easy to be caught up with life and ministry. SELAH reminded me to come back to God for rest and be still to know that He is God.”
A Sound Both Familiar and Fresh
Musically, SELAH marks a shift from Tim’s usual sound.
“SELAH was different from previous releases as there were more singer-songwriter vibes in those songs and they were more ‘radio-friendly’. This album is more towards the Gospel and worship genre.”
Tim confessed that he had doubts in the beginning. “As I have listeners who are also non-Christians, I doubted myself personally whether this is the right “project” to embark on. I wasn’t sure if it would look odd in the midst of other releases that I have.”
When he reflected on the international artists who had seamlessly done both contemporary Christian and mainstream charts, such as Tori Kelly, Carrie Underwood, Brian Littrell (of Backstreet Boys), Michael W.Smith, it inspired Tim to just do it, especially since he had previously written many worship songs. SELAH has a special meaning for Tim as it’s also a reminder to him that it’s through worship and Gospel music that inspired him to be a musician and to be who and what he does today, “thus it feels significant to me.”
The inclusion of an instrumental piece, Lost in Love, shows Tim’s willingness to stretch creatively. “In recent years, there are some who love instrumental or lo-fi music, thus I thought of exploring that idea of having it included in SELAH.”
Old Songs, New Life
An interesting facet of SELAH is that many of the songs trace their origins to earlier seasons in Tim’s life. Diving Deeper, for instance, was born in 2012 during his theological studies. The message of the song is simple – diving deeper in our walk and faith in God, through our devotion and reflection of the Scriptures.
“I recorded the song back in 2014 with a friend and it was part of my online EP then, which eventually was renamed to MAKE ME FEEL EP. I sang this song in my church a few times then there was one week, the sound man Wai Yee recorded it and gave it to me. So yea, this live recording has been sitting in my archive for years, waiting for the right time (and occasion) to be released.”
Meanwhile, Not Ashamed, based on Romans 1:16, similarly sat unreleased for over a decade until Tim revisited it last year.
“It’s one of those songs that sat in archive for years because I wasn’t convinced by the melody… I’m quite proud of this song because I did most of the work such as instruments/music, arrangement, producing.” Like the single that Tim collaborated with Charles Pudin last year, this song is also a bold and confident proclamation of the gospel message and the glory and power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.
One standout track, Lost in Love, is a reimagined instrumental version of the very first song Tim ever recorded.
“This song was born out of my quiet time with God… after many years, I thought to myself, why not give a fresh spin to that song for SELAH? It’s a reminder of God’s amazing grace and faithfulness in my life.”
An Invitation to Rest and Reflect
Tim hopes that SELAH won’t just be another album in someone’s playlist – but a moment of connection.
“I hope and pray that local Christian creatives can rise up and shine the light for God… At the same time, it’s also my hope and prayer that local worship will continue to rise up, where churches will sing more local songs and also, more worship songwriters writing songs that capture the heart of the local church and nation.”
To those who may come across the album during a spiritually weary season, Tim offers this heartfelt hope: “My prayer is that no matter who you are, you will find these songs are a blessing to your soul.”
Resonating with Listeners
Tim himself has found much encouragement from the response to his songs and the ones for the new album SELAH have already been moving him. One listener’s message particularly stood out for him:
“It gives me Planetshakers vibes, especially Glory to You and Endless Light… I truly believe you’re an amazing composer when it comes to slower pieces… I added Lost in Love to my training music playlist. It’s such a beautiful instrumental piece for a training session. Great job, bro.”
Moments like these affirm the impact Tim hoped SELAH would have – a sacred pause that draws hearts back to God.
Listen to SELAH:
🎧 Spotify
🎵 Other Platforms
About Tim Lim
Tim Lim is a Malaysian singer-songwriter known for his heartfelt and inspirational music that reflects his life experiences and faith. His discography includes several albums, EPs, and singles, showcasing his versatility and commitment to his craft. His music resonates with themes of inspiration, faith, and personal growth, making him a notable figure in the Malaysian independent music scene.
Tim Lim actively engages with his audience through various social media platforms, sharing insights into his music and life.
Christianity Malaysia extends heartfelt thanks to Tim Lim for generously sharing his story and for his warm hospitality throughout the production of this article. May his testimony and album bless and encourage every reader. All photos of Tim Lim were graciously provided by him.
Follow Tim on:- https://linktr.ee/timlim12
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