Exploring Our Deepest Yearnings for God in Everyday Life
Every birthday, we close our eyes and make a wish. Every Christmas, children write out their deepest hopes for Santa. At weddings, we raise our glasses in hopeful toasts. When a new baby arrives, we dream big dreams for their future. Even in the tough moments of a mid-life crisis, the same old question pops up. Sometimes it shows up quietly. Other times, it emerges with urgency: What do you want more than anything else in the world?
This question isn’t just about material things or fleeting desires. It follows us through every stage of life, coloring our hopes, shaping our prayers, and driving our dreams. When we’re honest, most of us realize a truth beneath all the wishes. We truly hunger for something deeper. It is something that touches the soul. For many, especially true Christians, this longing centers on wanting more of God. It’s a yearning that goes beyond just knowing about Him or going through religious motions. It’s about a real, living relationship with Him.
A Desire That Runs Deep
The Bible is full of people expressing this longing. King David, for example, wrote psalms that overflowed with a desperate desire for God’s presence. Paul, another key figure, said his greatest goal was “that I may know Him”—meaning Christ. These weren’t just words. Both men gave up everything to chase after God. Their actions show us that our deepest need is for connection with our Creator.
But if we’re honest, many times our hearts are distracted. We get busy, we get comfortable, and our souls “cleave to the dust,” as one old translation puts it. Even so, the Bible promises that God is always there for us. He holds us up, strengthens us, and comforts us. The hope is that—even when we’re weary or discouraged—God is with us. If we keep seeking Him, we’ll find joy that lasts.
Why Do We Want God?
You wonder why this desire for God is so strong. It’s because, deep down, we know that nothing else truly satisfies. Wealth, success, and relationships are wonderful. Good things like family and health are also wonderful. Still, they don’t fill the deepest part of us. The Bible teaches that we were made for God, and our hearts are restless until they find rest in Him.
This isn’t just about religion—it’s about relationship. God isn’t a distant force or a set of rules. He is a Person, and He wants to be close to us. When we experience His presence, it’s like drinking deeply from a fountain that never runs dry. Suddenly, the promises in Scripture come alive, and our prayers become conversations with Someone who truly cares.
The Pursuit Begins (and Never Ends)
If you’ve ever felt a longing for something more, that is the beginning of the journey. It is a hunger that nothing else seems to satisfy. The amazing thing is, the desire to know God doesn’t start with us. The Bible says God Himself puts that urge in our hearts. He draws us to Himself. As we respond, we find ourselves held by His strong right hand. We are supported and loved no matter what.
But this pursuit isn’t a one-time event. It’s a lifelong journey, full of ups and downs. There’s always more to discover about God’s love, His character, and His plans for us. David’s life was marked by intense spiritual desire, and Paul sacrificed everything to know Christ. Their stories remind us that the greatest adventure is the heart’s exploration of the infinite riches of God.
Encouraging Holy Desire
If you feel like your spiritual life is a little stiff or routine, you’re not alone. The secret is not to settle for just “going through the motions.” God waits to be wanted. He’s eager to reveal Himself to anyone who truly seeks Him. Our part is to nurture that longing—to let it grow stronger every day. As we do, we’ll discover answers to our biggest questions. Additionally, our souls will find the joy and satisfaction they crave.
In Conclusion
So, what do you want more than anything else in the world? For many, the answer is God Himself—to know Him, love Him, and enjoy His presence forever. This longing is the heartbeat of faith, the fuel for every prayer, and the secret to true satisfaction. May our desire for God increase with every hour, and may we find in Him all we’ve ever truly wanted.
Minister A Francine Green
December 2025
afrancinegreen.com 