October 2026
“He Is Near” by Kathy Rehorn
“Fear not, for I am with you; … I will help you …” (Isaiah 41:10 NKJV)
The summer after my sophomore year of college, I stayed on campus to work. My grandfather had recently passed away, and I was heartbroken. One evening, I went to the campus chapel, sat in the balcony, and began to sob. As I mourned, I sensed something beyond myself–something unfamiliar and, at the time, inexplicable. What I did not know then, I know now: I was not alone in my grief.
A few years later, I lost my brother. It was a dark time for me. I sought comfort in all the wrong places and from all the wrong people. Again, I felt alone in my sorrow, unaware of God’s presence. I chose to remain isolated and despaired over my loss.
Fast forward twenty years. I was a wife and mother of two school-aged children but still felt alone. One day, overwhelmed and desperate, I fell to my knees and cried out to the Lord for help.
Jesus answered.
That day, alone on the kitchen floor, Christ became my Lord and Savior. Help had arrived. Just as I was not alone in the campus chapel, I was not alone in my kitchen. In fact, I would never have to be alone again.
God began teaching me that His promise was not only for life-changing moments of loss or ordinary moments in my kitchen, but for every moment in between. His words, “Fear not, for I am with you; … I will help you …” (Isaiah 41:10 NKJV), were–and still are–for every situation, every day.
This became real to me when I was asked to accompany the elementary school chorus concert. I was nervous about playing the piano in front of parents who knew me. Silly? Perhaps. But my fear was real.
Before the concert began, I sat alone in my car and prayed. The Lord’s presence was almost palpable. I went inside and took my place at the piano. Despite still feeling paralyzed by fear, the execution was flawless. It was undeniable that the Lord took control as my hands floated over the keys. I was not alone in my fear or my helplessness.
Through that experience, I learned that the Lord cares about every relationship and every situation, no matter how big or small they may seem. Every circumstance matters to Him because He desires to use it to draw us closer to Himself. Difficult situations challenge us to trust God’s promises rather than rely on our own wisdom and strength. Ultimately, what God allows in our lives is intended to help us grow so that we may be used for His glory.
God is closer to us than any parent, spouse, family member, or friend could ever be. From Genesis to Revelation, God seeks to be with us. Would the One through whom “all things were made” (John 1:3) leave us to fend for ourselves, without direction, purpose, or His love? Of course not!
God promises never to leave us. He promises to help us. Whatever you face today–whether it feels monumental or mundane–remember that He has promised to be with you and to help you. So, go to Jesus and do not be afraid.
Lord, thank You for Your unwavering love for me. Remind me to look to You first in all things throughout my day that I may walk with confidence and serve You well. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
—Kathy Rehorn