Craving the Presence of God: A Journey to True Spiritual Growth

All humans have cravings. Some of us more than others. It’s a very “normal” thing to have cravings and try to find something that fills the ache. We often find ourselves chasing after worldly desires, filling our lives with distractions that leave us feeling empty and unfulfilled. But what if there was a way to satisfy our deepest longings and experience true growth? The answer lies in rediscovering our craving for God’s presence.

The apostle Peter, in his first epistle, provides us with profound wisdom on this matter. He urges us to “rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind” (1 Peter 2:1). These negative attributes can cloud our hearts and minds, preventing us from experiencing the fullness of God’s love and presence.

Malice, the desire to see others suffer, often stems from hurt or resentment. Deceit involves dishonesty or misleading others, while hypocrisy is professing beliefs we don’t actually practice. Envy arises from discontent with our own lives and coveting what others possess. Slander involves spreading false and malicious statements about others. These harmful attitudes and behaviors not only damage our relationships with others but also hinder our spiritual growth.

Peter encourages us to crave “pure spiritual milk” like newborn babies (1 Peter 2:2). This metaphor beautifully illustrates the kind of hunger we should have for God’s word and presence. Just as infants instinctively crave milk for nourishment and growth, we too should develop an insatiable appetite for spiritual sustenance.

However, many of us have lost this God given craving. We’ve allowed other appetites to take precedence, filling the God-shaped void in our hearts with lesser things. We may find ourselves more motivated by work deadlines or social engagements than by the desire to spend time in God’s presence. This misalignment of priorities leads to spiritual stagnation and frustration.

To reignite our spiritual cravings, we must first recognize what we’ve been feeding our souls. Have we developed an unhealthy appetite for things that don’t truly satisfy? Just as our tastes for food can change over time, our spiritual appetites can be reshaped. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but with consistent effort, we can cultivate a deep longing for God’s presence.

Peter is actually referencing the Psalms which invites us to “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8). This beautiful imagery reminds us that experiencing God’s goodness is not just an intellectual exercise but a deeply personal and sensory one. When we truly taste the goodness of God, it creates a craving that nothing else can satisfy.

So how do we develop this craving? It starts with intentionality. We must make a conscious effort to prioritize our relationship with God. This might mean setting aside dedicated time for prayer and Bible study, even when it’s inconvenient. It could involve surrounding ourselves with fellow believers who encourage our spiritual growth. Perhaps it means turning off distractions and creating space for silence and reflection.

As we begin to taste God’s goodness, we’ll find that our other cravings start to diminish. The things of this world that once seemed so important will pale in comparison to the richness of God’s presence. We’ll discover that in Him, we lack no good thing (Psalm 34:10).

It’s important to remember that this journey is not about perfection but progress. There will be times when we stumble or when our cravings for lesser things resurface. In these moments, we must return to the source of true satisfaction. We must remind ourselves of the goodness we’ve tasted and seen in God’s presence.

One practical way to nurture our spiritual cravings is through worship. When we lift our voices in praise, we’re not just going through the motions. We’re actively engaging our hearts and minds in adoration of our Creator. The act of worship can awaken dormant spiritual appetites and remind us of the joy found in God’s presence.

Another powerful practice is meditation on Scripture. As we ruminate on God’s word, allowing it to penetrate our hearts, we begin to crave more of His truth. The Bible becomes not just a book of rules or ancient history, but a living, breathing testament to God’s character and love for us.

Community also plays a crucial role in developing and maintaining our spiritual cravings. When we surround ourselves with others who are hungry for God’s presence, their passion can be contagious. We can encourage one another, share our experiences, and spur each other on toward deeper faith.

As we cultivate this craving for God’s presence, we’ll find that it impacts every area of our lives. Our relationships will be transformed as we learn to love others with God’s love. Our work will take on new meaning as we see it as an opportunity to glorify God. Even our leisure time will be infused with a sense of purpose as we seek to honor God in all we do.

The journey to developing a craving for God’s presence is not always easy. It requires sacrifice, discipline, and a willingness to let go of things that may be holding us back. But the rewards are immeasurable. As we taste and see that the Lord is good, we’ll discover a satisfaction that surpasses all understanding.

Today, we’re constantly bombarded with messages about what we should want or need. Instead let us return to the one true source of fulfillment. Let us rid ourselves of malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander, making room for a pure and passionate craving for God’s presence. As we do, we’ll find ourselves growing in ways we never thought possible, becoming more and more the people God created us to be.

May we all rediscover the joy of craving God’s presence, allowing His goodness to transform us from the inside out. As we taste and see His goodness anew, may our hearts echo the words of the psalmist: “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God” (Psalm 42:1). Let this be the craving that defines our lives, leading us to true fulfillment and spiritual growth.

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Here’s a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional for your week:

Day 1: Craving God’s Presence

Reading: 1 Peter 2:1-3

Devotional: Today, reflect on what you truly crave in your life. Peter urges us to “crave pure spiritual milk” like newborn babies. This imagery reminds us of our need for God’s nourishment. Consider how your daily choices reflect your spiritual appetite. Are you hungering for God’s presence, or have worldly distractions dulled your spiritual taste buds? Pray for a renewed craving for God’s word and presence, asking Him to realign your desires with His will.

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Day 2: Purifying the Heart

Reading: Psalm 51:10-12

Devotional: Yesterday, we considered our cravings. Today, focus on purifying your heart. In 1 Peter 2:1, we’re instructed to rid ourselves of malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. These negative attitudes can poison our relationship with God and others. Reflect on any of these that may have taken root in your heart. Ask God to create in you a clean heart and renew a right spirit within you, as David prayed in Psalm 51. Commit to actively replacing these negative attitudes with love, truth, and genuine faith.

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Day 3: Tasting God’s Goodness

Reading: Psalm 34:8-10

Devotional: “Taste and see that the Lord is good,” invites the psalmist. This echoes Peter’s words about tasting the Lord’s goodness. Today, intentionally seek experiences of God’s goodness in your life. Look for His blessings in nature, relationships, or personal circumstances. Reflect on past moments when you’ve tangibly felt God’s goodness. How can you cultivate a greater awareness of His goodness daily? Ask God to sharpen your spiritual senses to recognize and savor His goodness more fully.

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Day 4: Growing in Salvation

Reading: 2 Peter 3:17-18

Devotional: Peter emphasizes spiritual growth as a result of craving God’s word. Growth isn’t automatic; it requires intentional effort and nourishment. Evaluate your spiritual growth. Are you stagnant or progressing? Consider areas where you need to grow – perhaps in knowledge, faith, or character. Set a specific goal for spiritual growth and outline steps to achieve it. Remember, growth often happens in community, so consider how you can engage more deeply with your church family to foster mutual growth.

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Day 5: Living with Spiritual Hunger

Reading: Matthew 5:6

Devotional: Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.” This beatitude encapsulates the spiritual craving Peter describes. Reflect on your spiritual hunger. Do you approach your relationship with God with the same urgency as physical hunger? Consider fasting from something today (food, social media, etc.) to cultivate a deeper hunger for God. Use the time or energy typically spent on that activity to pray, read Scripture, or serve others. Ask God to increase your spiritual appetite and to satisfy you with His presence above all else.

**Remember, this reading plan is a starting point. Allow these reflections to deepen your relationship with God and transform your daily life. May your craving for God’s presence grow stronger each day.