Lynne Hoeksema

Depending on how you read this title, it could sound as though it leans disrespectfully towards snarky. I assure you, it’s anything but. Let me explain.

As I listen to my favorite Christian radio station every day, with my most recent favorite song being the main subject of this post, Emerson Day’s “Devil Get Behind Me,” I started to see a pattern in the three most recent songs that I wait anxiously for each time I tune in. And when they are playing, I crank up the volume and go into battle-dance mode (assuming I’m not driving).

In case you missed the other two favorites over these past few months, they are Taren Wells’ “Take It All Back,” and Brandon Lake’s “Count ‘Em.”

All three are on the heavy rock side of Christian music, which isn’t where I normally see myself landing.

Feel free to listen to my current favorite—but I’ll also share the lyrics to Emerson Day’s song here, because the power of these words stands strong even without the music behind them. (Shortened to make it a quicker read.)

Verse 1: When fear like a viper strikes and worry starts to creep

I know that ain’t my Father’s voice, it could only be

That liar in my ear trying to make me believe

So I’m calling him out in the name of the Lord

Listen when I speak

Chorus: Devil get behind me, run on home

Back to the grave where you belong

In case you forgot, let me tell you the truth

You’re stuck under my blood bought boots

Devil get behind me, you got no hold

I’ve been changed by the Holy Ghost

Try all you want, but it ain’t no use

You’re stuck under my blood bought boots

Get behind me (oh‑oh)

Devil get behind me (oh‑oh)

Verse 2: The same power that raised my Savior

Is the power that lives in me

So if you wanna pick a fight, you better think twice

‘Cause He’s got an angel army

Chorus

Bridge: In the name of the Lord, in the name of the Lord

Get behind me (get behind me in the name of the Lord)

Devil get behind me (get behind me in the name of the Lord)

In the name of the Lord

Chorus

Get behind me (oh‑oh)

Devil get behind me (oh‑oh)

In the name of the Lord

What was it about these three songs that touched me so deeply? Each one, in its own way, portrays the incredible power of God. That’s what sends me into this battle mode when I listen to them.

This isn’t to say I don’t appreciate songs that speak to God’s mercy and grace and love and forgiveness and a myriad other wonderful characteristics. And yet, I’m drawn to these battle cries.

As I continued this musical self-analysis, I realized I’m drawn to this music, because deep down, perhaps subconsciously, in this season where it can feel like the world is out of control and Satan has a stronghold, I need this reminder that God is unquestionably all-powerful. He’s already won every battle that lies ahead of us all. In short, he IS the Lion of Judah, the Conquering King.

Do I already know this to be true? I do. But there is something magical about combining powerful words with music that draws out the warrior in us all. It touches me on a deep spiritual level.

What about you? Do you have certain songs that you can’t wait to hear? Do they speak about a certain character trait of God? Maybe he’s put a similar desire in your heart – something that you, too, subconsciously need right now in your life.

Or perhaps you find certain themes in a devotional or a sermon or a text from a friend that also have a similar message.

So, maybe it’s not so much what we want from God, but what he wants for us.

The point is that God is always speaking to us, if we would just have ears to hear. Right now, he’s speaking to me in battle mode, and I couldn’t be more confident in my Conquering King!

For the Lord your God is he who goes with you

to fight for you against your enemies,

to give you the victory.

Deuteronomy 20:4