So I was stumbling about the internet when I came across Jennifer Kostick’s blog. It was one of those times when I really believe God was taking care of my clicking and searching. Jennifer’s words reminded me of my Father in Heaven and how He is watching over me. A warmth I needed reached out to me, and I again felt the strong pull to our Father and a sadness too. A sadness because as much as I love the Lord, I never have been sure how deeply I really wanted the Lord. My friend Matt and I have talked about it before. We have shared how we want to desperately want God more than anything else, yet somehow we just can’t seem to get there. Jennifer happened to be giving away a book that tapped on the memories of all those conversations. That giveaway was for Lisa Whittle’s “I Want God.”
Well…I didn’t win. I was rather bummed about that, but I knew I would buy it either way so off to Amazon I went and thanks to Amazon Prime, it arrived at my studio and into my needy little hands in no time. So without further ado…my review.
A little bit about the book:
I Want God: Forever Changed by the Revival of Your Soul
Author: Lisa Whittle
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
About the Book (from Goodreads): It is in the heart of every person to want God, but life gets loud and we forget Him. We get consumed by our problems, our desires, ourselves. We forget our first encounter with the Savior and how much we once wanted Him… the way we believed He could use our life…the fulfillment He provides that everyday life cannot.
A guidebook, a teacher and a resource, all in one, I Want God brings rich simplicity to life-altering principles. With her signature boldness and raw authenticity, author and speaker Lisa Whittle inspires with bottom line truth about what happens when life gets off track and how to find our way back to the God we want most.
My Review: You might think as a Christian that it would not be hard to want God. You might even think that a book like this really wouldn’t be a need for a Christian, but for me it was a must. I love God. I want to serve God. I love others so much that I want them to know God. I pray to God every day. Wanting him though in a way that is undeniable. That is the rub really.
I was so excited about this book. It is small, yet it is so full of truth it took me quite some time to truly digest it. I read this because there was a part of my heart that felt completely unsatisfied about my relationshipt with God. I wanted to want God more than anything else. I felt like I was ripping God off and myself. No matter how hard I tried though, I still felt so far away. Well, far away unless I was in a crisis. In crisis I would often find myself huddled in my shower stall crying out to God. He always met me there. What I longed for was that closeness without the desperation.
Lisa showed me that I should be desperate for the Lord and that knowing God and wanting God will create a revival of our souls and when that happens we will see God move. Things may get crazy and they may get uncomfortable but in that total committment, we can be secure.
Wanting God means not necessarily giving up things, though that can happen, but definitely putting other things down that are taking God’s place. That was probably the biggest thing for me. I realized with much sadness that I had sinned against the Lord by putting so many things ahead of him. This isn’t about guilt. Not once did I feel anything more than conviction of how I can change things, and with excitement, I can say I have.
Anyone who feels something is missing in their relationship with the Lord and who really wants to take some steps to do something about it will find something in this book. It is hopeful, it is challenging, and for me it came just in time. I feel newly inspired in ways that not only I had not been in a long time, but also in ways I desperately needed.
I definitely give “I Want God” five stars.
PS I have stared reading The Mended Heart – God’s Healing for Your Broken Places by Suzanne Eller which is part of the next Provberbs 31 Ministries Online Bible studies. The study begins on Sunday, June 22nd. I hope you check it out and join in! You can learn more here: Proverbs 31 Ministries Online Bible Studies.
Great review, Kelly. I’ve not heard of that book. But it sounds like something I could definitely benefit from. “What I longed for was that closeness without the desperation.” Hello! Rings true to my heart, too. Drawing closer out of desperate love rather than desperate circumstances. Whew. Thanks for sharing.