When People Hurt Us

 When People Hurt Us

When people hurt us as they often do

We have a choice of how it affects our life’s view.

We can hold on and dwell on how bad we feel.

Or we can let go as if it’s no big deal.

But with hurt comes our emotional reaction.

To let go, sometimes gives us no satisfaction.

So we hang on either for a time or longer.

Thinking that it will somehow make us stronger.

But it hurts us inside when we fail to let go.

Over time, bitterness is all we can show.

We soon become a victim and like it that way.

Our relationships change with each passing day.

When people treat us unfairly, as they sometimes will.

We have a choice of how to react, despite how we feel.  

We can feel sorry for ourselves, and once again

Live in a dark place, with a bitter end.

But when we choose to let go, and give it Him.

He takes it far away where we won’t find it again.

And He fills us with His love that replaces the pain.

Our God’s healing will never leave us the same.

It’s okay to grieve when your heart is wounded within.

Stay for a time then leave it at His feet once again.

That’s when we grow, that’s when the best is yet to come.

When no burdens are bearing down on us, the past is done.

So when people betray you and the hurt runs so deep.

Go cry out to God, lay it all at His feet.

But then allow Him to carry it all far away.

He wants you to be free to love after today.

©2008 Sandra C. Johnson

The Least of These

 The Least of These

Sometimes it's those little things we do.

To the least of those with a love that's true. 

We take a moment to send a text. 

To someone who was lonely thinking they had nothing left. 

We whisper a prayer for those we see. 

We simply say hello with quiet generosity.

It was said by Jesus when He  walked the earth

“If you did it to the least of these, you understood your worth.”

“You did it to me, your answered your call.”

It wasn't anything grand that made you stand tall. 

But it mattered to the lives that you touched. 

It's the least of these that matter so much. 

To the least of these we open our hearts.

We shine light into the lives that sit in the dark. 

We talked a woman out of a fatal decision. 

On her way to Planned Parenthood on a grim mission. 

To the least of these when we stopped on the road. 

Helping someone with a heavy load.

Not knowing a criminal would drive by later. 

With different intentions changing her fate forever. 

To the least of these- a daughter gone astray

Had her destiny changed by someone who prayed. 

Simply because they passed her that day, 

Her future shifted in a quiet, holy way. 

To the least of these we're given a chance. 

Each way we live, if we'll listen in advance

That's how He moves, How He draws us in. 

To the least of these He changes the hearts of men. 

©2025 Sandra C. Johnson

 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.  For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,  I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Matthew 25:34-40

The Mustard Seed

He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”  Matthew 17:20

The Mustard Seed

The mustard seed, the smallest seed of all,  

Yet look at what it does though it seems so small.  

It rises up—growing sturdy and strong,  

Its quiet resilience lasting long.  

We are all mustard seeds waiting to be sprouted,  

As God reminds us our faith need not be doubted.  

And as we trust and rest in Him,  

He does His deepest work within.  

So don’t fret today if you feel small;  

God has a plan as we answer His call.  

In time we’ll grow in ways we never imagined,  

By His strength moving in ways we never fathomed.  

The roots go deep and the branches high,  

Their reach extending through all of our lives.  

So when God calls you and you wonder why,  

And nothing changes as the days go by—  

Wait on Him, for He’s the Master Gardener.  

He tends the soil and is the gracious Pardoner.  

He makes the seed grow—He knew you from the start,  

And He alone writes His law on your heart.  

So fret not; in His time and His way,  

The mustard seed grows with each passing day.  

Place your plans gently into His care,  

Trust His process and continue in prayer.  

He forgives when we wander off on our own,  

Thinking He’s forgotten while we flounder in the unknown.  

Yet still He waters the seed,  

Patiently tending us in our unbelief.  

For the seed was planted long ago—  

God’s work ordained, His promise sure to grow.

©2025 Sandra C. Johnson

He told them another parable: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”

Matthew 13:31-32

Precious is Each Prayer

Precious is Each Prayer

Precious is each prayer that we lift to God on high.  

Though we don’t always know what to say, His Spirit hears our cry.  

So many times I carry feelings deep within my heart,  

And when I’m alone with God, I find them hard to impart.  

But my Father knows my thoughts before the words come out,  

And my whole life—He knows what it’s all about.  

He knows what makes me laugh and what will make me cry;  

He’s ever faithful to the prayers of both you and I.  

So precious is the little girl who prays,  

Asking God to help her know just what to say.  

When we simply try to start a prayer,  

God hears—and He is always there.  

So precious is the prayer of each woman and man  

Who searches for truth, seeking to understand.  

Not sure of it all, but laying it at God’s feet,  

And God gives the answers that they seek.  

Precious is each prayer, no matter how short or long—  

No matter how eloquent your speech, or if you’re weak or strong.  

For our God in heaven hears each and every cry;  

Each prayer is precious, whispered by you and I.  

So as I seek the Lord’s face once again,  

And my words get jumbled by all my thoughts within,  

I’ll remember that God still hears and He is there,  

And I will continue to be faithful in prayer.

©1996 Sandra C. Johnson

God's Unseen Hand

God's Unseen Hand

We can’t see everything God does, for it’s already done.  

These are the trials we were spared—those already won.  

We can’t see the dangers that could have come upon us;  

God’s protecting shield has guarded and covered us.

As we look to God and pray to Him today,  

We see Him working in His perfect way.  

Angels guard us and watch over our path;  

They protect and spare us from all wrath.

In our times of sorrow and pain,  

As we continue to call the Lord’s name,  

Though we cry out over all that we see,  

God still has been protecting you and me.

When Israel cried out in hunger and thirst,  

All they could see was a curse.  

God gave them strength to endure and sustain,  

But they grumbled instead of praising His name.

And as I do the things to help my children here,  

I cringe as they complain and shed many tears—  

Crying because there’s something else I forgot.  

They don’t see what they have, only what they have not.

Not always thankful for being pulled from the street,  

For helping them walk or stand on their feet.  

They want to play—they can’t see the things that I do;  

Toys and fun are all in their view.

God’s done so much in each of our lives;  

The things He doesn’t show us go unrecognized—  

The drunk driver that never crossed our path,  

The gunman in violent anger and wrath,

The sickness that could have stricken us all,  

The airplane crash or the broken automobile,  

Homelessness, no food on the table,  

Being handicapped or physically unable.

I’ll stop there, for I think now we can see  

How our Father protects you and me.  

We are provided for and blessed with health;  

Through Him, we hold such great wealth.

So let’s thank Him for His protection so strong,  

For being faithful when we do things wrong,  

For never leaving us or forsaking us here.  

O God, I praise You—it's You I revere.

©1996 Sandra C. Johnson

Little by Little

 Little by Little

Little by little, God’s work will be done.  

Little by little, we will all overcome.  

God’s timing is perfect in every way —  

It takes time when we walk in His way.

Little by little, another step is taken.  

It may take so long you’ll think you’re mistaken,  

But with God, a thousand years is only a day —  

So press on, my friends, and live solely by faith.

Little by little, the enemies of Israel were overcome.  

God said it would take time before the work was done,  

Lest the beasts of the land grow too many for them 

God’s timing is perfect, protecting all men.

Little by little, in our lives today,  

We draw closer to the Father as we learn to obey.  

At times it seems we’ve gotten nowhere at all,  

But that’s when we’re growing, though sometimes we fall.

God is always there to catch us again,  

Teaching our hearts to lean on Him.  

Overcoming takes patience and time 

But little by little, we find true peace of mind.

Little by little and day by day,  

We become more like Him and learn how to pray.  

One day we will understand why

Until then, we follow our Father on high.

©1996 Sandra C,Johnson

“I will send my terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter. I will make all your enemies turn their backs and run. I will send the hornet ahead of you to drive the Hivites, Canaanites and Hittites out of your way. But I will not drive them out in a single year, because the land would become desolate and the wild animals too numerous for you. Little by little I will drive them out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land.

Exodus 23:27-30

A Thanksgiving Prayer

A Thanksgiving Prayer

Thank you God for being with me through the years. 

Thank you for showing me how to face my fears. 

When life felt heavy, you strengthened me

It is only in you that I am truly free. 

I remember the days when I felt empty inside. 

You met every need, your love never denied. 

You guarded my steps from temptations snare. 

My God, my anchor, my solace, my prayer. 

Oh merciful Father who reigns from on high

Thank you for your faithfulness when I failed you in days gone by. 

Thank you for your patience when I wandered astray. 

Thank you for hearing each whispered word  that I prayed.  

I look out at this vast nation and sometimes sigh. 

So many don't know you and I can't fanthom why. 

But such mysteries are not for men to figure out. 

Thank you for your presence  and removing my doubt. 

When I ponder your grace and the love you bestow.

That my plans and dreams are held in eternity's glow. 

I fall on my face so thankful to know

My God, who leads me in paths unfor own. 

Thank you for being my ever constant provider. 

Thank you for making my load so much lighter. 

Thank you for family and friends you've allowed me to know

For the comfort and companionship they gently bestow.

Oh God Thank you for keeping my path straight. 

For shaping my heart and guiding my fate. 

Thank you for all you have done and will continue to do

And as time passes may my life always reflect you.

©2025 Sandra C. Johnson

This poem was adapted into a song and can be viewed on my YouTube channel here:

https://youtu.be/Iam6eaCfjvg?si=WosSsqpsF96gbb-6