This is very interesting. I have never properly believed in a deity, although I have thought about it like anyone else. I feel no such longing for belief whatsoever. I guess, if it has been a major part of your life for years, you might feel like you are "losing" something if you no longer believe.

Nonetheless, I have always found that a universe with a deity (at least of the powerful creator form) would be a far worse universe to be in - little more than a plaything, who suffers, succeeds and fails on the whims of someone far beyond yourself.

More importantly though, I actually suffered hugely when I tried to consider supernatural beliefs as reality - simply because I knew I couldn't back it up with any evidence or reason. The doubt would have torn me apart.