Devour Life

Marla devours life on the river Seine Though I received Christ at the age of 7, I did not learn much about biblical Christianity growing up. Consequently, I ended up with a strange mix of beliefs: Christianity, New Age, and some humanistic beliefs. I lived in depression and confusion, and felt empty inside. Yet I studied the Bible, and hoped I would someday learn more about Jesus.

At age 17, I was at a college weekend at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and some students from Christ for the Nations asked me if I had ever been filled with the Holy Spirit. I was much like the people in Acts who answered “I did not even know there was a Holy Spirit!” (Acts 19:2)

Devour Life - a poem by Marla Johnson When asked if I would like them to pray with me, I said “sure!”

They prayed, and I felt the presence of God for the first time in my life. I felt a surge of peace and joy like I had never known. From that day on, I lived for God.

I can remember having so much joy in feeling close to God, that nothing else mattered. And that fire has never gone away. I have had a lot of suffering and pain since college, an amazing amount of trials in a few years. But life has been full of meaning, full of joy, and full of victory. Through Christ I have truly overcome in every situation. God has done transforming miracles in me and my family. He has given me a wonderful husband in Kurt Johnson. He has shown me that He is real, He is loving, He is powerful! He loves me, and I love Him with all my heart.

I would not trade one moment of my life since I gave it totally to Jesus. All my songs come from my walk with God, through times of joy and times of suffering.

As you listen to my music, know that every word is born from my life, and I sincerely believe every word I sing – because it has been proven in my life.

Some people ask why I don’t include more negative feelings or analysis of life's problems in my lyrics. I have to say this was not intentional – and I never really thought about this. But I can say that as I go through crushing experiences – and heartache too deep to even describe, I am singing out my hope in an unfailing God – I am writing to encourage myself in the Lord, as David did (I Samuel 30:6). So you hear more of the answers in my lyrics than the questions. I pray you also, as you listen, will feel Jesus at your side. Believe His promises - He is ALWAYS faithful!