“All nations surrounded me; in the name of the Lord I cut them off!
They surrounded me, surrounded me on every side; in the name of the Lord I cut them off!
They surrounded me like bees… in the name of the Lord I cut them off!”
There are moments when life presses in so tightly that one declaration must be repeated—not as ritual, but as resolve. In Psalm 118, the psalmist is under siege, facing what seems like certain defeat. But he doesn’t buckle—he booms a war cry of trust: “In the name of the Lord I cut them off!” Not once, not twice, but three times.
This is repetitious power—a declaration that the victory belongs to God, and His name is the sword.
The Crisis in Psalm 118
Psalm 118 is a victory song. The psalmist has come through battle, trial, and trouble. In verses 10–12, he describes being “surrounded”—by enemies, by threats, by what felt like suffocating opposition.
But rather than listing his strategies or praising his own strength, he repeats one phrase three times: “In the name of the Lord I cut them off!”
Application: When you’re surrounded by pressure, fear, or spiritual warfare, don’t respond with panic—respond with declaration.
The Power Is Not in the Sword—But in the Name
The phrase “in the name of the Lord” is not a magic phrase—it is a faith phrase. It means “by the authority of God,” “with His help,” and “for His glory.”
This mirrors David’s declaration to Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:45:
“You come to me with a sword and with a spear… but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts…”
Lesson: The enemy doesn’t fear our weapons. He fears our surrender to God’s power.
From Defense to Dominance
Each repetition intensifies:
- First: “All nations surrounded me” – overwhelmed
- Second: “Surrounded me on every side” – encircled
- Third: “Surrounded me like bees” – swarming, stinging chaos
But each attack is met with the same victorious response: “In the name of the Lord I cut them off.”
He doesn’t change his strategy—he just repeats what works.
Application: When doubt, temptation, or fear swarm you—repeat what’s true. The name of the Lord is your weapon, your covering, your banner.
The Name Above Every Name
Philippians 2:9–11 says that Jesus has been given “the name that is above every name… that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow.”
Victory in the New Testament isn’t won by swords—it’s won by the authority of Christ’s name.
Demons flee at His name. The lame walk at His name. Salvation comes by calling on His name.
Repetition of His name isn’t superstition—it’s spiritual warfare.
How to Fight with Repetitious Power
- Declare His name in the face of fear.
Say it aloud: “In the name of Jesus, I stand.” “In the name of the Lord, I resist the enemy.” - Pray His name over your circumstances.
“Lord, I call on Your name over my marriage… my mind… my ministry.” - Sing His name until the walls fall down.
Repetition in worship isn’t filler—it’s fire. It’s the song of victory before the battle is even won.
Say It Again
Repetition is not weakness—it is warfare.
So when life surrounds you, when the attack feels overwhelming, when you’re tempted to surrender—don’t whisper, don’t retreat. Say it again:
“In the name of the Lord I cut them off!”
“In the name of the Lord I cut them off!”
“In the name of the Lord I cut them off!”
This is repetitious power. This is victory that doesn’t give up. This is faith that fights with the same name until the enemy falls.
Coming Next: Series Summary and Preaching Outline – Say It Again