The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. —Psalm 145:18

When I was 7 years old, my grandfather was caretaker of a wooded estate. One fall evening I took my toy gun, called for my dog Pal, and headed down a path into the forest. I walked bravely into the woods. Soon, though, it began to get dark and I panicked. "Grandpa!" I shouted.

"I'm right here," he said calmly, only a few yards away. He had seen me go into the woods and had followed me to make sure I was okay. Talk about being relieved!

As followers of Christ, we sometimes venture into unfamiliar territory. We try new things. We take on responsibilities in the work of the Lord that are bigger than we've ever attempted before. We risk rejection when we witness to friends about Christ. It can get pretty scary.

But wherever we go, God is there. His pledge to be near is backed up by His omnipresence. His promise to help us is backed up by His mighty power. He will hear the cries of those who fear Him (Psalm 145:19-20).

So, take some risks in your walk with God. Venture out into the scary unknown in your service or giving or witnessing. God is nearer to you than Grandpa Hayes was to me in the darkening woods. He will always hear your cry.

-DCE

The Lord is near to all who call;
He promised in His holy Word
That if we will draw near to Him,
Our faintest heartcry will be heard.

-Hess

Dark fears flee in the light of God's presence.