Everyone has needs because that’s how God created us — with core needs that only God can ultimately fulfill.

Dr. Kathy Koch has identified five core needs — security: who can I trust?, identity: who am I?, belonging: who wants me?, purpose: why am I alive?, and competence: what do I do well? Human beings often try to fill their core needs with counterfeits; but Christians need to share the message that we were created by God and in Him all of our needs are met.

Dr. Koch emphasizes the point of having trustworthy friends who can help you meet your needs in healthy ways, and even learning to trust yourself — that you can grow and learn from your mistakes. She also emphasizes the need for hope and optimism, instead of negativity, in order to be healthy and whole according to God’s design.