The Upper Room Devotional 22 July 2026, Wednesday Message
Friends Near and Far
Ken Claar (Idaho, USA)
Today’s Reading
John 15:11-17
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV)
At ninety-two years old, I spend a lot of time alone in my little trailer. I have wonderful friends at church and the senior center, but still I spend most of the time by myself. However, one day while reading The Upper Room, I realized that I have friends everywhere! In its pages, I read about people who have troubles similar to mine, and I feel connected. I read about fellow Christians who are full of joy, and it uplifts me. If they write more than once, I get to meet them again! And I can visit with them over and over. All I have to do is pick up the devotional and read it as many times as I like. Through The Upper Room’s translations, I have a worldwide community!
And, of course, I have a friend who is closer than a brother — Jesus Christ. He is with me day and night, and I talk to him very often — whether I have big problems or am merely frustrated about something I can no longer do well and need advice to direct me to a new way of doing things. Because I read the Bible often, many characters seem like good friends when I read their stories again.
I experience God’s peace when I remember my friends around the world and the One who is closer than a brother (see Prov. 18:24).
Thought for the Day
I can experience friendship with Jesus and others through stories of faith.
Prayer Focus
Those who are lonely
Read More
The Blessing of Friends
Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for friends near and far, and thank you for being our dear friend. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 22 July 2026 is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More