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I Want God: How to Love Him with Your Whole Heart and Revive Your Soul
I Want God , now revised and updated, will help you focus on your true pursuit of God and watch Him move your soul. Lisa Whittle amplifies the solution to the heart cry of the "sick of me" life. 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. But Lisa Whittle believes that if we calibrate our attention, refocusing on God determines the perspective for everything in our A guidebook, a teacher, and a resource, all in one, I Want God brings rich simplicity to life-altering principles, perfect for your personal Lenten reflection. With her signature boldness and raw authenticity, author and podcast host of The Jesus Over Everything podcast, Lisa Whittle inspires with bottom line truth when we want Him and experience a soul revival, there is no limit to what we will do for Him.
192 pages, Paperback
Published February 6, 2024
18 people are currently reading
3366 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Whittle
37 books171 followersLisa Whittle is the author of 7 books, and a sought-out Bible teacher for her wit and bold, bottom line approach. A pastor's daughter and long-time ministry leader in issues relevant to the Church, Lisa is the founder of Ministry Strong and the popular Jesus Over Everything podcast. Her love runs deep to see people pursue Jesus for life, grow deep roots of faith, and walk strong in the midst of a world that so often seems to have gone crazy. She has done master's work in Marriage and Family Counseling, been featured on numerous media outlets in print, online, radio, podcast and TV through the years, and advocated for Compassion, International. Lisa and her husband of 24 years live in North Carolina with their 3 mostly-grown children who still (mostly) come home for dinner.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 2, 2024
Really good soul revival book! Life has a way of being busy, drowning out the call of God in our seeking out comfort, control, popularity, and blessing. The beginning of the book the author asks, "What do you want?" By the end of the book she reminds us to remember what effort we made to know Him when we first met Him. Food for the soul!
February 21, 2024
So many books make me think, but wow, this one made me feel.
Lisa is such a compelling storyteller. Somehow she was able to capture that feeling of deep grief and great joy all wrapped together we experience as we follow Christ. This book, as she tells us with her title, is about desire. She calls us to question what we desire and the stakes of missing the only want that will ever matter.
This is not your standard non-fiction book with practical solutions for a better you. No, this book is highly impractical. It is a call to remember that desiring God is opposed to everything that we think we need. If you long to remember your calling, this book will be your heart’s cry.
Lisa is such a compelling storyteller. Somehow she was able to capture that feeling of deep grief and great joy all wrapped together we experience as we follow Christ. This book, as she tells us with her title, is about desire. She calls us to question what we desire and the stakes of missing the only want that will ever matter.
This is not your standard non-fiction book with practical solutions for a better you. No, this book is highly impractical. It is a call to remember that desiring God is opposed to everything that we think we need. If you long to remember your calling, this book will be your heart’s cry.
July 30, 2024
“Know that nothing works but God and quit wasting time pretending it does.”
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
What do you desire? This book is very meaty and one to be read slowly and more than once. Only God can fill that deep hole in your heart. Even though we try to fill it with so many other things…He is the way!
Jimmy gifted me this book ❤️
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
What do you desire? This book is very meaty and one to be read slowly and more than once. Only God can fill that deep hole in your heart. Even though we try to fill it with so many other things…He is the way!
Jimmy gifted me this book ❤️
April 27, 2024
Wow! This was such an amazing book. It both encouraged and frightened me. I pray God continues to stir my heart with the convictions and insights the book stirred in me. I WANT to want God more than anything. I pray God helps me to truly, genuinely live that out.
Read this book. Please.
Read this book. Please.
February 7, 2024
It's a simple concept, but truly life-changing: "We are not driven by our needs. We are driven by our desires." In this book, Lisa Whittle shares raw, personal lessons learned about letting go of every other "want" in order to pursue a life of adventure, passion and freedom with God.
Each short chapter is a quick and easy read, filled with convicting truths, practical takeaways, and relatable stories. Any fan of Lisa Whittle's work will appreciate how this newly revised version includes a "nod" to each of the titles in her other books, but the new resources she added for fasting and revival are a big bonus too.
I read this book cover-to-cover on a long layover in an airport (I couldn't put it down!), so I highly recommend to anyone who is unwilling to settle for a "status quo" spiritual life!
Each short chapter is a quick and easy read, filled with convicting truths, practical takeaways, and relatable stories. Any fan of Lisa Whittle's work will appreciate how this newly revised version includes a "nod" to each of the titles in her other books, but the new resources she added for fasting and revival are a big bonus too.
I read this book cover-to-cover on a long layover in an airport (I couldn't put it down!), so I highly recommend to anyone who is unwilling to settle for a "status quo" spiritual life!
February 26, 2024
“𝐖𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐭 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞.”
I would say grab a hot cup of tea and get comfortable, but this book is anything but comfortable! Convicting? Absolutely! (That tea will come in handy for pondering and praying while reading, though.)
𝑰 𝑾𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝑮𝒐𝒅 by Lisa Whittle Is the perfect book if you feel “desperate for God or feel desperate in general.” It’s about the “hunger and desperation that drive desire, leading to a true and radical life change.”
Lisa invites readers to truly experience fresh revival in our own lives. She inspires us to confront the things that are keeping us from wanting God more than anyone and anything else. Things like control, popularity, blessings, and comfort.
I said the book isn’t comfortable, however, it’s comforting to know that we as humans all struggle to love God perfectly with our whole hearts. It’s also comforting to know that He loves us perfectly and knows exactly how to draw us closer to Himself.
If you’re a part of a book club, this would be a great read if you like to discuss Christian nonfiction. It certainly pricked my heart and felt more relatable than I wanted it to. Would have been nice to talk about portions of the book with godly friends.
I loved reading about Lisa’s sweet six-year-old testimony and learning that she is also a lover of hot & cold simultaneously. I received a complimentary paperback in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
I would say grab a hot cup of tea and get comfortable, but this book is anything but comfortable! Convicting? Absolutely! (That tea will come in handy for pondering and praying while reading, though.)
𝑰 𝑾𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝑮𝒐𝒅 by Lisa Whittle Is the perfect book if you feel “desperate for God or feel desperate in general.” It’s about the “hunger and desperation that drive desire, leading to a true and radical life change.”
Lisa invites readers to truly experience fresh revival in our own lives. She inspires us to confront the things that are keeping us from wanting God more than anyone and anything else. Things like control, popularity, blessings, and comfort.
I said the book isn’t comfortable, however, it’s comforting to know that we as humans all struggle to love God perfectly with our whole hearts. It’s also comforting to know that He loves us perfectly and knows exactly how to draw us closer to Himself.
If you’re a part of a book club, this would be a great read if you like to discuss Christian nonfiction. It certainly pricked my heart and felt more relatable than I wanted it to. Would have been nice to talk about portions of the book with godly friends.
I loved reading about Lisa’s sweet six-year-old testimony and learning that she is also a lover of hot & cold simultaneously. I received a complimentary paperback in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
February 5, 2024
This book is fire - it's revived my heart in the best way!
"His Word is meant to remind us, over and over again, not to forget God. It’s meant to show us our error and guide us back to the place where we can have clear vision for what is really going on in our lives, right in front of us. It is reproof. It is correction. It is the first word, the last word, and every word in between. It is life-giving and lifesaving. It is truth, 100 percent. It is love. It points the way—spells out in plain words—how to have the most out of life. Be excited: what I’m going to share with you to help you now move forward is as simple, as beautiful, as rich, as promising, as bottom-line gospel as anything you may ever read." ~ Lisa Whittle
"His Word is meant to remind us, over and over again, not to forget God. It’s meant to show us our error and guide us back to the place where we can have clear vision for what is really going on in our lives, right in front of us. It is reproof. It is correction. It is the first word, the last word, and every word in between. It is life-giving and lifesaving. It is truth, 100 percent. It is love. It points the way—spells out in plain words—how to have the most out of life. Be excited: what I’m going to share with you to help you now move forward is as simple, as beautiful, as rich, as promising, as bottom-line gospel as anything you may ever read." ~ Lisa Whittle
June 28, 2024
“I want to tell God I want Him and I want to mean it.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a nonfiction Christian Living book.
The summary is in the title. Every heart is made to want God. But we all feel the pull toward everything else. The world we live in is an easy distraction from our closeness to God. The author shares her thoughts and personal experience on wanting a deeper connection with God.
For me, this was an average book. I was reading it for a book club. Parts of it seem a little too simplistic and yet had me feeling convicted at the same time. I struggled with some borderline comments that leaned toward religion versus faith, but overall an average
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a nonfiction Christian Living book.
The summary is in the title. Every heart is made to want God. But we all feel the pull toward everything else. The world we live in is an easy distraction from our closeness to God. The author shares her thoughts and personal experience on wanting a deeper connection with God.
For me, this was an average book. I was reading it for a book club. Parts of it seem a little too simplistic and yet had me feeling convicted at the same time. I struggled with some borderline comments that leaned toward religion versus faith, but overall an average
July 8, 2025
Just finished I Want God by Lisa Whittle and whew… it wrecked me in the best way. It’s not fluffy or feel-good—it’s a straight-up heart check. If you’ve ever felt like your faith has gotten a little stale or distracted, this book is like a holy reset.
Lisa writes like a big sister who tells it like it is, but with so much love. She reminds you that wanting God—really wanting Him—is the beginning of everything good. No formulas. No fancy steps. Just honest, bold pursuit.
I underlined half the book. It’s the kind of message that sticks with you and messes with you (in a good way). Highly recommend if you’re over surface-level faith and want to go deeper.
Lisa writes like a big sister who tells it like it is, but with so much love. She reminds you that wanting God—really wanting Him—is the beginning of everything good. No formulas. No fancy steps. Just honest, bold pursuit.
I underlined half the book. It’s the kind of message that sticks with you and messes with you (in a good way). Highly recommend if you’re over surface-level faith and want to go deeper.
March 25, 2024
I have read a couple of Lisa Whittle's books and the thing that strikes me each time is the passion in her writing. Passion for God. Passion for her readers and those in her circle of influence. Passion for the gospel and living a life consumed by God's love and grace. You can feel through her words the desire for everyone to feel that passion. Lisa invites you to join her on the journey of leaning into God and loving Him first. It is convicting without being judgemental. Lisa is very transparent about her journey as a Christian and that makes her relatable.
August 30, 2025
There were a lot of great insights in this fairly short book. It’s not a spoiler, but the time is set in the introductory section where Lisa writes this: We need more of God, but we do not really want him. Until the want matches the need nothing will ever change. Needing without wanting is just a really good idea that never sees light.
I feel like this book would appeal to new and seasoned Christians alike. It would be a great read for a book group as well. I took lots of notes and will definitely revisit for support to some teaching topics.
I feel like this book would appeal to new and seasoned Christians alike. It would be a great read for a book group as well. I took lots of notes and will definitely revisit for support to some teaching topics.
February 6, 2024
I love this book! It may be one of the most powerful books written on the subject of personal revival and wanting God more. Lisa writes in a most transparent, honest way that is personal to me. This book is timely with wise insights leading the reader through what is needed for a believer to take steps in their own personal revival with God. If you want more of God this book is a must - you will not be disappointed!
February 13, 2024
This book will wreck you in the very best way—staying complacent in your relationship with Jesus just isn't an option after reading Lisa's vulnerable story telling of revival. She prayed a dangerous prayer, "God mess with me," and he certainly did! I'm looking at reading my Bible differently now, and definitely reconsidering my posture in my prayers. Reading this book will inspire you, challenge you, and show you how to go deeper with God than ever before.
March 17, 2024
This book is one of my top 5! No doubt. Lisa does a great job of asking leading questions where we then look deep in our own hearts and reflect our heart status.
While reading, it just makes you want to drop to your knees and repent of falling away from God with putting our busy schedules ahead of time spent with him. We fall away gradually until all of a sudden, a tragedy strikes or health scare happens and then we are snapped back to reality.
I honestly think this book is one someone should read year after year to remember God. Very well written!
While reading, it just makes you want to drop to your knees and repent of falling away from God with putting our busy schedules ahead of time spent with him. We fall away gradually until all of a sudden, a tragedy strikes or health scare happens and then we are snapped back to reality.
I honestly think this book is one someone should read year after year to remember God. Very well written!
April 5, 2024
I loved this so much. One of the first Christian nonfiction books I have read in years that put Lisa whittle on my radar in a big way.
It was so simple and pure and made wanting god all the time feel beautiful and attainable, not pressured or guilted.
Perhaps the biggest points that will stick with me are 1) redefining our concepts of blessing - we should pray for the beatitudes, for god to make us pure, poor and humble. And 2) the way that having comfort, wealth and all of our needs met can make us asleep to him. Praying for more self abandon, for me to be emptied of all the “things” and filled with the “spirit”!
Such a refreshing read
It was so simple and pure and made wanting god all the time feel beautiful and attainable, not pressured or guilted.
Perhaps the biggest points that will stick with me are 1) redefining our concepts of blessing - we should pray for the beatitudes, for god to make us pure, poor and humble. And 2) the way that having comfort, wealth and all of our needs met can make us asleep to him. Praying for more self abandon, for me to be emptied of all the “things” and filled with the “spirit”!
Such a refreshing read
February 5, 2024
Reading I Want God could not have come at a better time in my life. I felt stuck in a cycle of complacency and discontentment. Lisa Whittle writes what our soul longs for. If you’re wanting more than what you’re currently doing, read this book! You will be forever changed!
February 5, 2024
If you want a deep and alive relationship with God this is the book for you. I Want God will stir your hunger to stop chasing the temporary things of this world and run after God with everything. Lisa shares authentically and it’s so refreshing- it’s raw and real.
February 21, 2024
I'm reading this book for the third time in 6 years. It's something I need to come back to, over and over, this reminder of what it means to want God most.
April 21, 2024
Honest and spiritually deep, very encouraging
May 7, 2024
Refreshingly honest and spiritually insightful.
August 23, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. The author’s words felt so close to home and confirmed so much of what the Lord had been stirring in me.
November 27, 2025
4.5 stars
February 7, 2024
The timing of this release is just what we need in today’s culture. Lisa puts to words what many Christian’s aren’t able to - soul revival is what we are looking for! This book helps us to know what revival looks like and how rewarding it is to put in the work. Get ready because it will rock your world in the best way!
June 12, 2024
Pretty crazy of the Lord to use a book written by my own mother to remind me of how much I desperately want to live a life fully dedicated to Him and nothing else
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews