“What Is It That You’re In Need Of?”

At the end of VBS this week, they held a raffle where each child’s name was drawn from a basket. If your name was called, you’d receive a gift. Each night, the prizes got better—on the final evening, they raffled off a Nintendo Switch.

I didn’t attend that last night. I stayed home with my youngest; it had been a long week, and both of us needed a gentler, quieter evening. My husband went instead, along with our eleven-year-old son Eric and our four-year-old daughter Ellie.

When they returned, Ellie came bouncing in, blue-lipped from her Italian Ice and beaming with joy. She happily recounted everything she’d seen, learned, and experienced. She had especially been captivated by a baptism she witnessed. A delightful night, indeed.

Eric, however, was quiet.

Later that evening, once the house had settled and the littles were tucked in, I went to check in on Eric. He sat quietly on his bed, reading. I asked how his night had gone. “It was good,” he said, but then added softly, “I didn’t win anything. Not on any of the nights.”

And then, prompted by what I believe was wisdom straight from the Holy Spirit, I asked, “Well, what is it that you're in need of?”

He straightened up, smiled earnestly, and said, “Nothing, really.” We hugged goodnight, and he drifted off to sleep peacefully.

Hmm…

“Well, what is it that you're in need of?”

I believe the Holy Spirit wasn’t just speaking to Eric in that moment—He was speaking to me. That question, simple as it was, remained with me. But unlike Eric, I don’t always answer it with such calm clarity.

Eric knew—he truly knew—that everything he needed had already been provided. He lacked nothing. And yet, I, someone for whom the Lord has so graciously and consistently provided, still wrestle with that kind of clarity. Still, my prayer is that I, too, can respond from that same deep place and say with confidence: “Nothing—really”

This week, I listened to The Art of Divine Contentment (In Modern English) by Thomas Watson and Jason Roth (included on Audible with a membership). What a rich and thought-provoking book. I’m letting those truths simmer, and I plan to read it next to highlight and reflect more deeply.

One of the central passages it explores is Philippians 4:11–12 (ESV):

11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.

Friends, true wealth lies in the heart of the believer who can find the richness of Christ—whatever season of life they’re in. I’m learning, slowly and prayerfully, to ask the Lord to gently remind me each day of all He has provided—another day of life, my family, our health, our dear friends, and so much more.

Each morning, we wake is truly a blessing. A chance to begin anew. A content heart is a strong and healthy heart. When we are steeped in the Lord’s goodness, worldly temptations and distractions begin to lose their shine. They reveal themselves for what they are: empty and vain promises.

Reflection Corner:

• When was the last time we paused and asked ourselves, “What am I truly in need of?”

• Can we identify areas where discontentment has crept in quietly?

• What would it look like to practice contentment—not just in lack, but also in abundance?

  
  

Practical Takeaways:

1. Daily Gratitude Practice: Begin each day by naming three things you’re grateful for—big or small.

2. Scripture Meditation: Reflect on Philippians 4:11–12. Write it down, carry it with you, memorize it.

3. Slow Down: Make space for quiet evenings—just like my night at home with my youngest—where the soul can catch up with the heart.

4. Ask God Daily: “Lord, show me how You’ve already provided. Teach me to be content.”

   
   

May we all grow into the kind of contentment that smiles earnestly and says, “I lack nothing.”

Shalom and grace,

Lis