Resist (Keep the Devil Away) Lyrics Meaning
Before exploring the meaning of English song “Resist (Keep the Devil Away)” by “TobyMac & Terrian”, it’s important to understand the creative background that shaped it. Written by “TobyMac & Terrian” and produced by “TobyMac”, the song reflects their signature blend of “Pop”. This song was released on March 7, 2025, as part of the album “Heaven On My Mind”.
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TobyMac’s song “Resist (Keep the Devil Away)” is a powerful Christian anthem about resisting temptation and seeking God’s strength in spiritual battles. The lyrics are deeply rooted in biblical themes, emphasizing faith, perseverance, and the power of calling on Jesus’ name to overcome struggles.
[Intro]
The song opens with the phrase “Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you,” which is a direct reference to James 4:7 from the Bible. This verse sets the tone for the song, reinforcing the idea that resisting temptation and evil requires conscious effort, but God provides the strength needed to stand firm.
[Verse 1]
The first verse describes the struggles of daily life, where challenges come from all directions: “Trouble to my left and right, hard days turn to sleepless nights.” This conveys a sense of being surrounded by difficulties, feeling overwhelmed, and even deceived by things that seem appealing but are ultimately harmful. The phrase “Looks like paradise, got your boy believin’ lies” suggests how temptation can be deceptive, making things appear desirable when, in reality, they lead to destruction.
The lines “Causin’ me to crave it, make me wanna chase it” highlight the battle against sinful desires. However, the verse ends with a turning point: “But I know, now I know.” This shift indicates that the singer has gained wisdom and recognizes the danger of falling into temptation.
[Chorus]
The chorus is a heartfelt plea for divine assistance, asking for the strength to overcome obstacles and stay faithful. The lines “Give me the feet to walk on water, keep me from the deep” reference Peter’s attempt to walk on water toward Jesus (Matthew 14:29-31). Just as Peter sank when he doubted, the singer asks for unwavering faith to stay above the stormy waters of life.
“Give me faith to move that mountain” alludes to Matthew 17:20, where Jesus teaches that faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. This reinforces the theme that faith in God empowers believers to overcome even the greatest challenges.
The repeated plea, “Keep the Devil away from me,” shows the singer’s reliance on God to resist evil influences. It reflects the Christian belief that resisting sin isn’t solely about personal willpower but about seeking God’s help through prayer and faith.
[Post-Chorus]
The post-chorus intensifies the urgency of resisting temptation: “Keep the Devil away from me.” The phrase is repeated multiple times, emphasizing the spiritual struggle. The line “Callin’ on the name of Jesus” highlights the power of Jesus’ name in delivering believers from evil, a common theme in Christian teachings (Philippians 2:9-11).
[Verse 2]
This verse reflects on past experiences with temptation: “Hold on, hit the rewind, was feelin’ low like a bassline.” It suggests that the singer has faced struggles before, feeling down or disconnected. The metaphor “Lost time in the rabbit hole” could symbolize being trapped in sinful behavior or distractions that lead away from God.
Despite this, there is a sense of determination: “Ain’t gonna lose my soul.” The phrase “Fits like a glove but cuts like a knife” suggests that sin can feel comfortable or familiar but ultimately brings harm. The most powerful line, “Once is enough, he ain’t gon’ get me twice,” expresses a firm decision to avoid falling into the same traps again.
[Chorus]
The chorus is repeated, reinforcing the need for God’s strength and protection. The repetition of “Give me the feet to walk on water” and “Keep me from the deep” serves as a reminder that faith is an ongoing journey that requires constant trust in God.
[Post-Chorus]
This section reiterates the call for divine intervention, emphasizing the phrase “Keep the Devil away.” The urgency increases as the singer declares, “I’m callin’ on my Savior,” affirming reliance on Jesus for victory over temptation.
[Bridge]
The bridge shifts to a moment of deep reliance on God: “You’re the only One Who can save me, Lord, I need You now.” This echoes Psalm 18:2, where God is described as a refuge and deliverer. The desperation in “No, don’t let him take me down” conveys a plea for protection against the enemy’s influence.
The line “Callin’ on the name of Jesus” is repeated, emphasizing the belief that Jesus’ name holds power over darkness. This ties into Christian teachings about spiritual warfare, where believers are encouraged to call on God for strength (Ephesians 6:10-18).
[Breakdown]
This section reinforces the message of resisting temptation: “Resist, and he will flee from you.” The repeated use of the word “resist” serves as a reminder that believers must actively reject sin. The phrase “Said, you gotta resist” adds a sense of urgency and encouragement, motivating listeners to stand firm in their faith.
The breakdown also includes rhythmic chanting of “Keep the Devil away,” making it feel like a battle cry—a declaration of spiritual resistance.
[Outro]
The outro concludes the song with a sense of victory and assurance: “Keep the Devil away, my shelter, my refuge.” This echoes Psalm 91:2, where God is described as a safe place in times of trouble.
The phrase “We gon’ resist, resist” reinforces the idea that resisting temptation is a continuous effort. The repetition of “Resist, and he will flee” ties back to the biblical promise that standing firm against evil causes it to retreat (James 4:7).
The final declaration, “Keep the Devil away,” serves as a powerful ending, leaving listeners with a sense of encouragement and determination to remain steadfast in their faith.