Desire is part of being human—but Psalm 73:25 reminds us that nothing on earth can satisfy us the way God does. When our plans stall, doors close, or God simply says “not yet,” it’s easy to feel the sting of disappointment. Yet in those very moments, He invites us to rediscover a deeper truth: He is enough. The longings we carry—relationships, opportunities, fulfillment—are not wrong, but they are never meant to replace the One who satisfies the soul. When we release our grip on what we think we need, we often discover that God has already given us everything essential for life, peace, and joy.

Highlights


Our desires are real, but they can quietly take priority over God without us realizing it.


God’s “no” or “not yet” often shapes our character more than His “yes.”


Seasons of lack can reveal how fully God satisfies the weary and longing heart (Psalm 107:9).


Blessings are gifts, not guarantees—and never substitutes for intimacy with God.


Contentment grows when we trust that God withholds nothing we truly need (Psalm 23:1).


God is unchanging—faithful in abundance and faithful in scarcity (Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8).


Choosing gratitude over discontent quiets fear and centers our hearts on His goodness.

Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide

Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas!

Full Transcript Below:

God Is Everything We Truly Need

By Hannah Benson

Bible Reading:

“Whom have I in heaven but you?

And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.” - Psalm 73:25 ESV.

We know that truly, there is no one in heaven that we have but God Himself, and none on earth that we ought to desire besides Him, but that is SO much easier said than done.

If you’re anything like me, then there are probably so many desires tucked away in the secret corners of your heart. Hopes and dreams that you treasure in your heart like Mary.

What should we do when God says “no”? When God doesn’t give us everything we ask for?

How can we truly say with a heart full of faith, “there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you,” when there are other things we want as well?

Think about it.

What is something you long for?

Perhaps a child. A spouse. A new job.

About a year ago, the Lord really impressed on my heart a time in my life where every “no” from Him meant to grow and cultivate me into His image felt like a devastating blow to my plans.

During one of my moments of discontentment, the Lord whispered to my weary heart, “Am I enough for you?”

His words, soft and gentle yet far from condescending, brought an instant prick of conviction to my heart.

When did God stop being enough for me? Of course, I thought He was enough. If someone were to ask me if He were enough, I would’ve said yes and thought I was being honest.

But when did I start putting things I wanted above God? When did I start seeing the glass as half-empty instead of counting my blessings?

I remember moments in my life where there were things I deeply desired - and didn’t have. Friendships are an open door to serve in media ministry, among others.

In those seasons of “lack”, God taught me that I really had everything I needed. I may have desired good things, and it didn’t mean God didn’t want to eventually bless me with those things. (After all, God loves to give good gifts to His children). But God wanted to show me that He was enough for my weary soul.

I didn’t need a specific job or to serve on a particular project (although that would be nice).

I didn’t need to have specific friendships (although I would appreciate them if the Lord chose to bless me with them).

As much as I deeply desired those gifts, the truth is, I didn’t “need” any of it. Anything God chooses to bless me with is still His and is a gift. It’s not for my own selfish gain, either, but a tool to further His Kingdom for His glory.

“For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things” (Psalm 107:9 ESV).

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Dear friend, God will certainly bless you with good things. It may not look exactly like you’d thought, but it will be good.

We are reassured that the Lord doesn’t change (Malachi 3:6) and again in Hebrews 13:8 (ESV) when the author writes to the Hebrews the promise that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

In our highest moments, when we’re successful, rich, and have everything we could ever want, God is good.

But if God never changes, then the opposite is true, too.

In our lowest moments, when we are barely making ends meet, and when we’re waiting for a miracle that we’re not even sure will come, God is still good. He loves us and will overflow our cup with His love, comfort, mercy, and grace, riches that far surpass any this world could give.

I’ve been on both sides.

There are times when I wrestle with a cup that feels as if it’s half-empty. I also know what it’s like to have that same glass overflowing with the love of the Lord.

We can either choose to be discontented and experience growing dissatisfaction (and then nothing will ever satisfy, not even if we receive the very thing which we want). Or we can choose to trust that God has given us everything we need (2 Peter 1:3, Philippians 4:19, Psalm 23:1). It is in those moments I find my heart quiets, anxiety stills, and fear flees.

And I come to realize that I’ll be okay even if I don’t get what I want because God will not withhold anything I need.

Desire is part of being human&mdash;but Psalm 73:25 reminds us that nothing on earth can satisfy us the way God does. When our plans stall, doors close, or God simply says &ldquo;not yet,&rdquo; it&rsquo;s easy to feel the sting of disappointment. Yet in those very moments, He invites us to rediscover a deeper truth: He is enough. The longings we carry&mdash;relationships, opportunities, fulfillment&mdash;are not wrong, but they are never meant to replace the One who satisfies the soul. When we release our grip on what we think we need, we often discover that God has already given us everything essential for life, peace, and joy.
Highlights
<ul data-start="635" data-end="1268">
<li data-start="635" data-end="729">
Our desires are real, but they can quietly take priority over God without us realizing it.
</li>
<li data-start="730" data-end="805">
God&rsquo;s &ldquo;no&rdquo; or &ldquo;not yet&rdquo; often shapes our character more than His &ldquo;yes.&rdquo;
</li>
<li data-start="806" data-end="903">
Seasons of lack can reveal how fully God satisfies the weary and longing heart (Psalm 107:9).
</li>
<li data-start="904" data-end="988">
Blessings are gifts, not guarantees&mdash;and never substitutes for intimacy with God.
</li>
<li data-start="989" data-end="1079">
Contentment grows when we trust that God withholds nothing we truly need (Psalm 23:1).
</li>
<li data-start="1080" data-end="1177">
God is unchanging&mdash;faithful in abundance and faithful in scarcity (Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8).
</li>
<li data-start="1178" data-end="1268">
Choosing gratitude over discontent quiets fear and centers our hearts on His goodness.
</li>
</ul>
Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/holiday-gift-guide-2025/">Holiday Gift Guide</a>
Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide&mdash;from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there&rsquo;s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas!
<hr>
Full Transcript Below:
God Is Everything We Truly Need
By Hannah Benson
Bible Reading:
&ldquo;Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.&rdquo; - Psalm 73:25 ESV.
We know that truly, there is no one in heaven that we have but God Himself, and none on earth that we ought to desire besides Him, but that is SO much easier said than done.
If you&rsquo;re anything like me, then there are probably so many desires tucked away in the secret corners of your heart. Hopes and dreams that you treasure in your heart like Mary.
What should we do when God says &ldquo;no&rdquo;? When God doesn&rsquo;t give us everything we ask for?
How can we truly say with a heart full of faith, &ldquo;there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you,&rdquo; when there are other things we want as well?
Think about it.
What is something you long for?
Perhaps a child. A spouse. A new job.
About a year ago, the Lord really impressed on my heart a time in my life where every &ldquo;no&rdquo; from Him meant to grow and cultivate me into His image felt like a devastating blow to my plans.
During one of my moments of discontentment, the Lord whispered to my weary heart, &ldquo;Am I enough for you?&rdquo;
His words, soft and gentle yet far from condescending, brought an instant prick of conviction to my heart.
When did God stop being enough for me? Of course, I thought He was enough. If someone were to ask me if He were enough, I would&rsquo;ve said yes and thought I was being honest.
But when did I start putting things I wanted above God? When did I start seeing the glass as half-empty instead of counting my blessings?
I remember moments in my life where there were things I deeply desired - and didn&rsquo;t have. Friendships are an open door to serve in media ministry, among others.
In those seasons of &ldquo;lack&rdquo;, God taught me that I really had everything I needed. I may have desired good things, and it didn&rsquo;t mean God didn&rsquo;t want to eventually bless me with those things. (After all, God loves to give good gifts to His children). But God wanted to show me that He was enough for my weary soul.
I didn&rsquo;t need a specific job or to serve on a particular project (although that would be nice).
I didn&rsquo;t need to have specific friendships (although I would appreciate them if the Lord chose to bless me with them).
As much as I deeply desired those gifts, the truth is, I didn&rsquo;t &ldquo;need&rdquo; any of it. Anything God chooses to bless me with is still His and is a gift. It&rsquo;s not for my own selfish gain, either, but a tool to further His Kingdom for His glory.
&ldquo;For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things&rdquo; (Psalm 107:9 ESV).
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life:
Dear friend, God will certainly bless you with good things. It may not look exactly like you&rsquo;d thought, but it will be good.
We are reassured that the Lord doesn&rsquo;t change (Malachi 3:6) and again in Hebrews 13:8 (ESV) when the author writes to the Hebrews the promise that &ldquo;Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.&rdquo;
In our highest moments, when we&rsquo;re successful, rich, and have everything we could ever want, God is good.
But if God never changes, then the opposite is true, too.
In our lowest moments, when we are barely making ends meet, and when we&rsquo;re waiting for a miracle that we&rsquo;re not even sure will come, God is still good. He loves us and will overflow our cup with His love, comfort, mercy, and grace, riches that far surpass any this world could give.
I&rsquo;ve been on both sides.
There are times when I wrestle with a cup that feels as if it&rsquo;s half-empty. I also know what it&rsquo;s like to have that same glass overflowing with the love of the Lord.
We can either choose to be discontented and experience growing dissatisfaction (and then nothing will ever satisfy, not even if we receive the very thing which we want). Or we can choose to trust that God has given us everything we need (2 Peter 1:3, Philippians 4:19, Psalm 23:1). It is in those moments I find my heart quiets, anxiety stills, and fear flees.
And I come to realize that I&rsquo;ll be okay even if I don&rsquo;t get what I want because God will not withhold anything I need.

Are you a Christian looking for a daily devotional podcast to encourage, inspire, and convict you in your walk with Christ? 7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Daily Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life. Let's study the Bible together and through the experiences of other believers, learn how to apply the Word of God to our lives.

Here’s just some of what we cover in The Crosswalk Daily Devotional Podcast:

☕️ Why the Tongue Can't Be Tamed (And What to Do about It)
☕️ The Quickest Way to an Attitude Adjustment
☕️ Your Birthday: The Most and Least Important Day of Your Life
☕️ Noticing God's Blessings in the Hardest Moments of Life
☕️ One of the Sneakiest Lies Satan Is Telling the Church
☕️ How to Push Through the Weariness of Prayer
☕️ 3 Steps to Take When Facing Temptation
☕️ What to Remember during a Stressful Election Year

If you love what you're listening to on the podcast, be sure to check out our companion devotional at https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/.

Are you a Christian looking for a daily devotional podcast to encourage, inspire, and convict you in your walk with Christ? 7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Daily Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life. Let's study the Bible together and through the experiences of other believers, learn how to apply the Word of God to our lives.
Here’s just some of what we cover in The Crosswalk Daily Devotional Podcast:
☕️ Why the Tongue Can't Be Tamed (And What to Do about It) ☕️ The Quickest Way to an Attitude Adjustment ☕️ Your Birthday: The Most and Least Important Day of Your Life ☕️ Noticing God's Blessings in the Hardest Moments of Life ☕️ One of the Sneakiest Lies Satan Is Telling the Church ☕️ How to Push Through the Weariness of Prayer ☕️ 3 Steps to Take When Facing Temptation ☕️ What to Remember during a Stressful Election Year
If you love what you're listening to on the podcast, be sure to check out our companion devotional at <a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/">https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/.</a>

7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life.