He Is With Us

 He is With Us

He is with us in our darkest hour. 

When we feel we've lost all power.

When we have no strength to carry on–

He lifts us up and makes us strong. 

He is with us when no one understands. 

When we can't keep up with life's demands. 

He carries us through weary days. 

And revives our souls out of its tearful haze.

You see He feels what we feel.

His heart aches over our sadness so real. 

He gathers every tear, every emotion. 

And holds us in the midst of the storm and commotion. 

He understands us like no one could. 

He bears our burdens like no one else would. 

And sometimes when we look up we see Him there,

Even though we blamed Him in our despair.

He simply waits for us to breathe.

To let go and let Him meet our need.

And when we do, oh such a burden is lifted. 

Others think we are strong, resilient and gifted. 

But unknown to them we're not alone. 

HIS strength is what the world is shown. 

It doesn't mean we never fall apart.

Healing takes time as He mends our heart. 

He is with us today and forevermore. 

He speaks, He guides, and He won’t ignore

He hears every prayer, each silent plea

Our Father leads us out of the dark, setting us free. 

© 2025 Sandra C. Johnson

This poem has been set to music found here:

https://youtu.be/Ll2hz3u-2AE?si=6i-cEaz0s1x_9LKX

Opposing views

I find it amazing when I watch the news, how both parties make the same claims about the other side.  I know which side I am more alligned with.  The truth is though, Jesus Christ died for all of us.  His truth should be the foundation of what we believe in our heart and even in our politics.  

It's hard though, when both sides claim they are Christian. They declare to be defenders of our constitution. Yet at the same time, both sides have polarizing policies.  I woke up in the middle of the night as the first two lines reverberated in my head. 

Opposing views

Why is it, when we on the right take a stand,  

We're accused of hate, with deception close at hand?  

Yet when the left declares what they believe,  

They're hailed as heroes, destined to achieve.  

Why is it, when we questioned the COVID vaccine,  

We were cast as villains—cold, cruel, and mean?  

But when the left walks through Planned Parenthood’s door,  

It’s called a brave choice, praised all the more.  

When a conservative speaks of what made this nation great,  

He’s labeled a racist, a Nazi, a vessel of hate.  

Yet when a liberal shares his opposing view,  

He’s seen as kind, though none of it’s true.  

This is the world we’re living in today:  

Both sides shout, both sides sway.  

Each claims the other breaks the Constitution,  

Each offers a different, clashing solution.  

Two bibles, two laws, two paths to defend—  

Each side insists theirs is the end.  

But only one truth will rise and shine,  

Only one Word stands the test of time.  

So stand for what’s right, make your declaration,  

Live with boldness, not hesitation.  

For when all is said and all is done,  

The truth is found in God’s own Son.  

We live in a world of opposing views,  

And truth is often hard to choose.  

It’s not the one who seeks to please,  

But the one who clings to Christ with ease.  

Not the voice that avoids offense,  

But the heart that stands in reverence.  

For in the end, what will remain  

Is faith that endures through joy and pain.

© 2025 Sandra C. Johnson

We Will Not Be Baited

We Will Not Be Baited

We will not be baited thinking we are standing tall. 

We will remain faithful to our God only answering His call. 

We will not be tempted to argue over what we believe. 

And have our words twisted by those who are deceived.

We will not be baited to engage in arguments over words. 

We know the truth and believe in what we've heard.

We will not argue with those who refuse to see. 

But only seek to trap us by their words and creeds. 

We will not be baited by those on the other side. 

As they make false allegations that can be denied. 

As they try to demonize us for our faith and life we lead. 

We will walk away and continue to the Holy Spirit heed. 

We need no words. We will not reply. 

Jesus spoke not a word, just before he died. 

He will give us words to say when the time is right. 

Until then rest in your Savior and resist the fight. 

God will go before us and make the battle cry. 

He will sound the trumpet and we will be ready to reply. 

Just rest in Him my warriors, though you are ready to defend. 

Don't waste time arguing with those who will never be your friend. 

We will not be baited or engaged in your war on Words. 

We understand the battle is spiritual and we believe in what we've heard. 

So we wait on God and ask Him to show us when

To enter into battle because in His power we will win. 

No….we wont be baited no matter what you say. 

Our faith is firm, established as we bow our heads and pray. 

We pray for God's Kingdom to come to earth. 

And stand at the helm with His armor awaiting on His Word. 

© 2025 Sandra C. Johnson

I Forgive Him

I Forgive Him

She knew what she must do– God gently explained. 

Oh, she had no problem standing up and calling on His name.

But the next step was harder, as God gently held her close.

And said “I'm going to ask you to do what hurts you the most.”

In her tears she looked to him and said “Oh God why?”

How can I let this go– the hurt runs so deep inside.

How can you love someone who brings so much pain?”

He said “Because I love all men– and did not die in vain.”

“I forgive him,” she declared for all the world to hear. 

Standing in her grief, yet without fear. 

And as she spoke the audience was moved by love. 

This is what it's about, what we should be thinking of.

“I forgive them” Jesus said. while he was on the cross….

“They know not what they do,” he continued, paying the final cost. 

When Peter asked “How many times must I forgive?” 

Jesus answered with a number hard for most who live.

“I forgive him”--words easy to say, but hard to feel,

Especially toward one who without thought chose to kill. 

But Jesus loves all men–it's not ours to decide. 

And when we hang on to that debt, it tears us up inside.

Forgiveness is not something our world applauds. 

We are taught to get even, to take them for all they've got.

But unforgiveness is not for God's people.  

Especially when we have been released from our own evil. 

“I forgive him.”--Three words that echoed through the world..

She may not have known what she had just unfurled. 

But God's Spirit moved across the earth.

Inviting all who thirst to come and find rebirth.  

“I forgive you,” Jesus said when he died. 

It was for the entire world that he was crucified. 

And when you say it too, you are choosing to set him free–

The one who may owe you into eternity. 

“I forgive you” are the words of an overcomer.

And its power exceeds the lightning and thunder. 

Those words reverberate across the earth and into heaven's throng.

Where the angels sing before the Lamb the most angelic song. 

I Will Pray for You

I scroll Facebook on and off throughout the day.  There is so much division, so much hate.  Today, I am watching the Charlie Kirk Memorial and I wonder how these haters feel about it.  

It's sad to see even posts from people I consider friends.   With that in mind, came the following poem. 

I Will Pray For You

I read the hate and how they try to turn the tables. 

They mock and ridicule us calling our faith a  fable. 

And I am tempted to respond by calling it all out. 

To correct their thinking, to silence their doubt.  

But my hand is restrained, my tongue is held still. 

God will speak justice by His sovereign will.

My faith does not require approval of any man. 

God upholds me right here where I stand. 

To those who cheered at a Godly man's death, 

Know  your views will be weighed by God's breath.

And the truth is, I pray for you to turn your heart before then. 

I pray that you will be reconciled to God and turn away from sin. 

You can say who am I to judge and to condemn. 

Again you fail to see my heart and love for all men. 

I restrain myself from hateful words I could say. 

Instead I get on bended knee and pray. 

I reserve judgement for God alone. 

He reigns in power, seated on His throne. 

And I believe you know not what you do–

So I look to heaven and intercede for you. 

There are many ideologies, religions and doctrines we believe.

There many good works men of all cultures have achieved.

But none of that matters without faith in Jesus Christ. 

Our fleshly deeds are dust in God's sight. 

So give your millions you have earned to your favorite charity. 

Stand up for the weak and broken and proclaim your morality. 

While those acts are worthy of man's praise. 

God looks at our hearts not our works and  saves us by His grace. 

So when I watch the news and the social media feeds. 

As man fights against man over doctrines and creeds–

I hold back my voice and simply choose to pray. 

My words pale in comparison to what God has to say. 

© 2025 Sandra C. Johnson

Be Still and Know

Be Still and Know

Be still and know that I am God.

Be still and listen along the path that you trod.

When you speak to me, breathe–rest in my presence.

Shhh…. Don't speak, just listen in reverence. 

Be still my child, I know you have much to say.

But I know your heart, as you kneel to pray.

I am not far off and beyond your reach. 

I reside within and my spirit will teach.

But be still so you may hear my voice.

Be patient and strong before making a choice.

At the right time, in the right way, I will answer–

Not before and not after.

So simply be still and know: I am El Shaddai.

I am Yahweh, the great God to whom you cry.

I comfort the brokenhearted by healing them.

I guide those who seek me to turn from sin.

I change hearts but only when invited to.

I love you more than you know and patiently wait for you.

Be still, be ready. I am right where you are.

Again, my child, I remind you– I'm not very far.

I see all things– both good and bad.

I rejoice at some, and at others I'm sad.

For I long for men to choose life, not death. 

I see what is and what has not happened yet. 

So be still and know: I am in control. 

I am the God of heaven and earth and will make all things whole. 

Fret not over what you see in the world today. 

For the evil one is temporarily holding the world sway. 

A day is coming–it is now at hand–

When I will silence evil right where it stands. 

The entire world will profess my name for all to hear. 

As I remove all sin and wipe every tear. 

So be still, my child until then. 

Know I am watching over the how and the when. 

My arm is not so short that I cannot save--

Those on the earth, and those in the grave.

© 2025 Sandra C. Johnson

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10

This poem was turned into a song and can be heard on my youtube channel here: 

https://youtu.be/yYwrMC2a1FI?si=Iw8E6CLVE77E5Nle

I Dare You

I watch the news every night—and yes, sometimes I end up yelling at the TV, depending on what’s being said. It’s hard not to get frustrated when you hear things that are so inaccurate, so far from the truth.  

But at the end of the day, I remember who’s truly on the throne. God is in control of everything that happens, even when it feels chaotic or unjust.  

Still, there are moments when I just need to write out my frustrations. And it’s funny—because every time I do, God gently reels me back in. He reminds me of His perspective, His sovereignty, and His grace.  

That’s the heart behind the poem that follows.

I Dare You

Those of you who claim you cannot speak,  

That the First Amendment has grown weak,  

That freedom is gone in this land—  

I dare you! Why not take a stand?

How many of you would boldly go  

To a conservative college and share what you know?  

Would you navigate hatred, endure the heat,  

And still choose dialogue over retreat?

I dare you to go on Hannity and teach,  

If your truth is real, then rise and preach.  

But how many times have you been asked to debate,  

Only to decline, dismiss, or hesitate?

There’s a difference between Charlie Kirk and his crowd—  

They stand with courage, humble, not proud.  

They don’t burn buildings when they feel wronged,  

They pray, hold vigils, and remain strong.

Will you stand for God when no one else will. 

When values are mocked will you stand still?

Would you dare to put your life on the line?  

Charlie Kirk did—time after time.

He didn't spend time hating he just spoke truth

He had a heart to open the eyes of our youth,

Despite our colleges and their indoctrination

He gave a voice to young people across this nation. 

Fear was not in his vocabulary.  

He faced the haters, though it might be scary.  

So while you cheer his death and curse his name,  

We will not stand for your hatred and shame. 

We’ve received a call from our God on high  

To labor in truth till the day we die.  

And yes—we’ll pray for your heart to turn,  

For hatred is not where we yearn.

Go ahead—speak, say what you feel.  

But if your words inspire someone to kill,  

That burden is yours, and I pray it won’t come to pass.   

Yet sadly, my brothers, it already has.

© 2025 Sandra C. Johnson