Desiring God Above All Else: What Are You Truly Hungry For?

Psalm 42:1–2 (KJV)
"As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?"

Desiring God above all else—that’s where I want my heart to be.There was a season in my life when all I could think about was coffee. I don’t just mean enjoying a good cup in the morning—I mean full-on obsession. I daydreamed about starting a coffee shop, researched different roasts, and imagined cozy little corners where people would gather. It was more than a hobby; it was a passion that filled my mind constantly. And while there’s nothing wrong with interests (we live in this world, after all), looking back, I can see how that passion started to crowd out my desire for God.

The psalmist in Psalm 42 describes a soul that longs for God like a deer panting for water. That kind of longing isn’t casual—it’s desperate. It’s the cry of a heart that knows only one thing can satisfy. And that’s where I want my heart to be—not just stirred by passing interests, but anchored in a desire for God that surpasses everything else.

There’s a quiet transformation that happens when we place God above all else. Our thoughts become clearer, our peace deeper, and our joy more rooted. It’s not about abandoning all other interests—it’s about giving God the highest place in our hearts. Because when He is our greatest desire, everything else finds its rightful place.

My physical hungers—whether it was my dream of opening a coffee shop, or the emotional and everyday cravings we all carry—will never truly satisfy. They might fill a moment, but only God can fill the soul. And the more I desire Him, the more I realize: He’s exactly what I’ve been hungry for all along. If you’ve found yourself chasing after other things—whether it’s success, hobbies, comfort, or approval—you’re not alone. We all drift from time to time. But today is a good day to turn our eyes back toward the One who fully satisfies. He’s never stopped desiring you.

A Prayer for Today

Lord, I confess that there have been times when other things have taken first place in my heart. Thank You for gently reminding me that You alone are my soul’s true desire. Stir within me a longing for Your presence that outweighs all distractions. Help me not just to seek You in the quiet moments, but to carry a hunger for You throughout my day. Let my heart pant after You, and may I find joy in drawing near. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Additional Scriptures for Study:

• Matthew 5:6 – “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”

• Psalm 63:1 – “O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee...”

• Jeremiah 29:13 – “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”

Before You Go…

Think about what’s been taking up most of your heart space lately. Is there something—even something good—that’s started to edge out your desire for God? Ask Him to gently shift your focus back to Him today.
And if this devotional spoke to you, consider sending it to a friend who might be craving more of God, too. Sometimes, a simple nudge is all it takes to remind someone where their true satisfaction is found. Desiring God above all else begins with one small step—turning your focus back to Him today.