Daily Devotional for July 13, 2026
A Constant Friend

On Friday, Noah had an invitation to a birthday party and another to a sleepover—and he couldn’t go to both. It was hard choosing between his friends, and he didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. Then on Sunday, Noah tried contacting his friends to see if anyone wanted to hang out, but they were all busy.
“You look bored,” his grandpa said when he came over that evening.
Noah sat back on the couch with a sigh. “I thought my friends might want to hang out today, but they all have other plans.”
“I see.” Grandpa sat down beside him.
“Friends are confusing,” Noah said. “Sometimes everyone wants to hang out with you, and sometimes no one can. Sometimes we all get along, and sometimes we fight.”
“Sounds like most relationships,” Grandpa said. “But I’m glad there’s one constant in my life.”
“Grandma?” Noah asked.
Grandpa smiled. “No. Even we disagree occasionally. But there is someone who never lets me down.”
“It’s not me,” Noah said with a knit brow. “I’m pretty sure Dad has let you down before too.”
“Any more guesses?” Grandpa asked.
Noah shook his head, feeling stumped.
“God,” Grandpa said. “He has never let me down.”
“God?” Noah asked.
Grandpa nodded. “He’s always there for me. The Bible tells us that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and for the rest of eternity. He is never going to change. Even when your friends aren’t available or things get confusing, you can rely on God to be steady and constant in your life.”
Noah ran his fingers through his hair. “I’m glad God’s with me, but it’s not exactly the same.”
“As having a friend you can play with? Maybe not. But Jesus said that everyone who trusts Him as their Savior is His friend. He is our perfect friend who gave His life to save us and always listens and cares about everything going on in our lives. When you need a friend, you can always talk to Him.”
“Thanks, Grandpa.” Noah gave his grandpa a fist bump. “You’re a pretty good friend too.”
–Bethany Acker
How about you?
Are friendships ever confusing for you? Friends are a gift from God, but they can’t always be there when we want them to be and sometimes let us down. But you can have a constant friend who will never fail you. Jesus is available all the time, and He never changes. He loves you and gave His life to be your friend forever. (To learn more, go to Have You Heard the Good News?) Go to Him and tell Him what’s on your mind.
Today's Verse
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 NIV
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