THE NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES

365 Days of Thanksliving — Day 155

Sitting across from my wife tonight at supper, I finally just leaned back and said, “It’s been one of those days, ya know? I’m trying really hard to find something to be thankful for, but I feel like I’m coming up short.” Danielle just sat there, quiet, giving me that knowing nod. She didn't need a recap. She’d already lived through two of the three reasons my head was spinning, and she’d heard the play-by-play of the third on our drive home.

That drive home? Yeah, that was a comedy of errors in itself. Two pairs of my favorite jeans are currently waving the white flag, nearing their final demise. Being the "genius" I am, I didn’t think to replace them when we were actually in Mankato on Saturday. So, naturally, I almost talked myself into burning more gas and making the hour-long haul back to JC Penney. Thankfully, a rare spark of logic hit me and I checked their stock online first. Not a single pair that I prefer on the shelf. Trip cancelled.

Since we were already geared up for a drive, we pivoted and headed to Sanborn for a box of those homemade Dilly Bars everyone raves about. Because when you can’t find pants you want, you might as well find ice cream that you do want. I digress… it was on that trip back that I filled her in on the third incident—the one that actually started before the sun even came up. She listened without saying a word, almost as if the weight of the story was something reminiscent and heard before.

Three times since my head hit the pillow last night, I’ve felt this heavy, restless oppression. It’s that spiritual friction that feels like trying to pedal a bike up a steep grade in tenth gear. It was a hell of a push. But despite that weight, I’ve found a rock-solid reason to be thankful, and it all comes back to the Name Above All Names.

I don't know why last night felt so different. Sometime between midnight and 2 AM, I slipped into a dream-like state that was anything but a dream. It was horrific. It was short-lived, thank God, but it left me wide awake and more than a little apprehensive about trying to go back to sleep.

Some of you know the story of the night my daughter and I were demonically attacked. That was, without question, the worst night of my life. That presence from the pit was grotesque and terrifying in a way that defies a simple description. I’m not going to rehash that whole experience here—though if you haven't heard it and want to, just ask. I’m not afraid to talk about it. Last night wasn't a repeat of that specific event, but the raw fear was a dead ringer for it.

Lying there, I could feel a presence hovering over me, around me, scaring the "H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks" out of me. Unlike the previous attack where I saw things with a sort of heavenly sight, this time it was just oppressive darkness. I was lucid, yet totally blind to what was standing over me. That’s when my inner voice took over and barked: “In Jesus’ name, get the ‘expletive’ away from me! Now!”

Yeah, I cussed like a sailor while invoking the King of Kings. I suppose once a sailor, always a sailor—right, Billy?

And just like that, the air cleared. Whatever was leaning on my soul hauled anchor and fled. I attribute that immediate peace to one thing only: the Name Above Every Name.

About Him, Jesus, the Apostle Paul tells us:

“…He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death— even to death on a cross. For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow— in heaven and on earth and under the earth— and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” — Philippians 2:8–11

Paul warned the Ephesians that we aren't just fighting flesh and blood, but cosmic powers of darkness in unseen realms (Ephesians 6:12). These forces mean to do us harm, and they don't care about my credentials or my opinion. There is only one Name they are required to obey, and it sure as heck ain’t mine.

I can’t tell you why these things oppress or attack when they do. I’m no exorcist. But I noticed last time this happened, we were pressing into God and our ministry with everything we had. I believe the unseen realm noticed. Maybe something big is about to break loose again, and the enemy is trying to trip me up before we get ready to lift off (perhaps even as a congregation). IDK, I’m only guessing here.

This is what I know for certain: Jesus’ name saves. His name brings light and love; His name is mercy and grace. It rumbles with the force of the ocean and makes mountains crumble. And, while the world might use His name as a punchline or a swear word, the forces in the unseen realm fear it above all else. They flee faster than you can say "uncle."

Tonight, I’m thankful for the name of Jesus Christ. It has saved my soul and my hide more times than I can count. To Him be the honor, the glory, and the power, forever and ever. Amen.

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son to save our souls and our proverbial skins. May we have the courage to call on Him, to rest in Him, and to place our eternal hope in the only Name that can truly drive out the dark and bring us into your glorious light. Amen.