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Satisfy My Thirsty Soul: A Woman’s Guide to Deeper Intimacy with God
As a woman who wants to follow Jesus in her everyday life, you yearn for intimacy with God. You long to know His presence, to be satisfied in heart and soul, but you don't know how. You feel like you're trudging through your days, making sure you're doing everything you can for Him . . . but you can't shake the feeling that something is missing.
Linda Dillow understands. She longed for depth of intimacy with God, but in the middle of a busy and complicated life, realized that she'd settled for serving Him. And when our actions for God are our primary focus, we miss the extraordinary honor of getting to be with Him. So how can we be with Him? Through a life of worship.
True worship is both a specific act and a lifestyle. As you learn what it means to bow your knee (the act of worship), you'll gain a renewed intimacy with God. And as you learn to bow your thoughts, words, work, attitudes, will, and even pain (the lifestyle of worship), you'll be drawn into God's holy and life-giving presence--the place where He will truly satisfy your thirsty soul.
Linda Dillow understands. She longed for depth of intimacy with God, but in the middle of a busy and complicated life, realized that she'd settled for serving Him. And when our actions for God are our primary focus, we miss the extraordinary honor of getting to be with Him. So how can we be with Him? Through a life of worship.
True worship is both a specific act and a lifestyle. As you learn what it means to bow your knee (the act of worship), you'll gain a renewed intimacy with God. And as you learn to bow your thoughts, words, work, attitudes, will, and even pain (the lifestyle of worship), you'll be drawn into God's holy and life-giving presence--the place where He will truly satisfy your thirsty soul.
304 pages, Paperback
First published June 14, 2007
93 people are currently reading
651 people want to read
About the author
Linda Dillow
37 books162 followersLinda Dillow is no stranger to publishing and adventure. She's the author of Creative Counterpart, Calm My Anxious Heart, and The Blessings Book. Linda and her husband Jody lived in Europe and Asia for 17 years training Christian leaders in closed countries with Biblical Education by Extension, During this time, Linda traveled extensively in Romania, Russia, Hungary, Poland and Asia. She taught women and helped them launch women's ministries. This fire for encouraging and educating others continues as she speaks at women's conferences here and abroad.
Linda's newest adventure is a new ministry that she started with Dr. Juli Slattery- Authentic Intimacy. This ministry focuses on women and their intimacy with their husbands and God.
Linda and Jody Dillow have been married forty years. She is a mother of four children, as well as a grandmother.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 18, 2015
This book. This book. It is amazing. It turned me into a Linda Dillow fan. For all of you women who enjoy Bible Study/self help books, this is extremely thought provoking - at times not what you want to be asked, but what you need to answer. So great. This book is about finding your fulfillment in God. I read it at a time when I desperately needed to check where my head was. Linda Dillow is so insightful. Her words are strengthening but tender. I still pick up this book now and then when I need a check.
April 13, 2012
A beautiful book on worship, soul-stirring and biblical. Worship is so much more than just singing a few songs on Sunday morning, it is a lifestyle of bowing our words, circumstances, hopes and dreams, and very life to the Almighty. Life-changing, one I will return to again and again.
June 12, 2017
Are you looking for a deeper connection with God? Are you wondering when this personal relationship is going to start feeling like a real relationship? Maybe going to church every Sunday morning and reading your bible daily aren't enough anymore. Maybe even your daily prayers are beginning to seem a bit redundant and seeming not to reach past the ceiling.
If this sounds like you, then this book is for you.
I absolutely loved reading every page of this book.
Linda Dillow presented herself as transparent in writing this book. She brought me into a deeper relationship with God.
This book may not be thick, but it sure is heavy with spiritual gains. I can't speak highly enough of it.
As you will see when you read it for yourself. She is serious about giving God her all and generous enough to share what she has learned so that others can find a closer relationship with their Creator as well.
This book is practical, easy to read, interesting to follow and an all around excellent Christian read for women of all walks of life.
If this sounds like you, then this book is for you.
I absolutely loved reading every page of this book.
Linda Dillow presented herself as transparent in writing this book. She brought me into a deeper relationship with God.
This book may not be thick, but it sure is heavy with spiritual gains. I can't speak highly enough of it.
As you will see when you read it for yourself. She is serious about giving God her all and generous enough to share what she has learned so that others can find a closer relationship with their Creator as well.
This book is practical, easy to read, interesting to follow and an all around excellent Christian read for women of all walks of life.
December 17, 2023
Best Christian Non-fiction I have ever read. When I finished it I wanted to just flip back to the beginning and start all over again!
January 21, 2025
This book isn’t everything about a walk and relationship with God, but that’s not what it claims to be either. It taught me some great things about being still in the presence of God, worship in time set aside for Him, and worship through sacrificing areas of life to Him.
July 5, 2008
My Sunday School class is studying this one. And when i read the beginning I thought i would hate it. Her thoughts on God are not necessarily mine - she describes a level of intimacy that I do not associate with a being that i consider a father figure (great great grandfather really) All that to say if you have that level of intimacy it won't bother you at all and you will jump right in. If you don't; skip that part and go right into the study - you will be glad you did. It has really made me think about how my actions as a Christian woman are viewed by others. My favorite chapter so far is chapter 6 "I Bow My Words" - i have THE biggest mouth and very little filter, so this chapter spoke directly to me! I love the story of Socrates and one of his scholars, Pambo. "Socrates gave Pambo the 39th Psalm to read. After reading verse I, "I will take heed to my ways, that i not sin with my tongue" Pambo shut the book and left, saying that he would learn that point first." After several months passed Socrates demanded that Pambo move forward to another verse. He (Pambo) said that he had not yet learned his first lesson; he gave this same answer when asked the same question - forty-nine years later.
August 31, 2018
“Worship is not just a specific act. It is also a lifestyle.”
“Worship begins in holy expectancy and ends in holy obedience.”
This is an amazing book to understanding how to have awe filled worship and bask in the presence of God everyday. Really great book and has great applications!
“Worship begins in holy expectancy and ends in holy obedience.”
This is an amazing book to understanding how to have awe filled worship and bask in the presence of God everyday. Really great book and has great applications!
April 23, 2013
I will read/digest this more later. I cannot stop thinking about all the wisdom and truth here, and want to go back through the study as well. This is a lifestyle book!
July 17, 2025
I do not recommend this book
Pretty quickly as I began reading this book I saw that it was going to be based in contemplative spirituality. In the first chapter she used a Passion Translation verse. As the book continued, Linda quoted various mystics and voices from contemplative spirituality including Richard Foster.
One of my biggest annoyances with the book wa show often she would use Scripture out of context. Often she would use it to prove a point that the verse actually refuted if used in context.
The idea of submitting our words and will to the Lord as well as having a heart and life of worship at all times are very Biblical. The problem with Linda’s approach is her reasoning for doing all these things is to experience the presence of God so that we can be as intimate as possible with Him as opposed to doing it all solely because He is worthy of our devotion, submission, and worship. Our intimacy with God comes from the underlying Holy Spirit that is given to all believers and our knowing of Him through His Word. She often provided formulas that were not always contrary to Scripture, but we’re provided in a way that lead the reader to believe they needed to be done in order to have a rich relationship with God.
She used imagery and language that made me think of when Mike Winger has criticized people of “infantilizing” God. As well as giving completely false definitions and imagery of worship.
Linda encouraged silence and solicitude as the way to know God rather than knowing Him through His Word. She advocated for hearing from God outside of Scripture and “feeling” His presence. All of these were said to be what a truly mature Christian will grow towards.
I do not argue that we should spend time in prayer or that times of resting in the Lord are beneficial, but I would say it needs to be rooted in Scripture and worship and prayer not a quieting of the mind, seeking a feeling, or use of our imagination outside of what Scripture gives us.
When people give formulas for knowing God or say/infer that you aren’t truly worshipping God or know Him if you aren’t hearing from Him or feeling His presence, it will lead people to doubting their faith. Where in Scripture do we see that these things are measures of knowing Him or being in right relationship with Him? There also seems to be a forgetfulness that the Holy Spirit is the presence of God with us at all times so even if we aren’t feeling it, He is still with us.
Despite the parts of the book that might be good for a Christian to consider about his/her life, there is far more in this book that could lead someone away from truth that I would not recommend it. You can get the Biblically based encouragements from other books, sermons, or the Bible itself.
Pretty quickly as I began reading this book I saw that it was going to be based in contemplative spirituality. In the first chapter she used a Passion Translation verse. As the book continued, Linda quoted various mystics and voices from contemplative spirituality including Richard Foster.
One of my biggest annoyances with the book wa show often she would use Scripture out of context. Often she would use it to prove a point that the verse actually refuted if used in context.
The idea of submitting our words and will to the Lord as well as having a heart and life of worship at all times are very Biblical. The problem with Linda’s approach is her reasoning for doing all these things is to experience the presence of God so that we can be as intimate as possible with Him as opposed to doing it all solely because He is worthy of our devotion, submission, and worship. Our intimacy with God comes from the underlying Holy Spirit that is given to all believers and our knowing of Him through His Word. She often provided formulas that were not always contrary to Scripture, but we’re provided in a way that lead the reader to believe they needed to be done in order to have a rich relationship with God.
She used imagery and language that made me think of when Mike Winger has criticized people of “infantilizing” God. As well as giving completely false definitions and imagery of worship.
Linda encouraged silence and solicitude as the way to know God rather than knowing Him through His Word. She advocated for hearing from God outside of Scripture and “feeling” His presence. All of these were said to be what a truly mature Christian will grow towards.
I do not argue that we should spend time in prayer or that times of resting in the Lord are beneficial, but I would say it needs to be rooted in Scripture and worship and prayer not a quieting of the mind, seeking a feeling, or use of our imagination outside of what Scripture gives us.
When people give formulas for knowing God or say/infer that you aren’t truly worshipping God or know Him if you aren’t hearing from Him or feeling His presence, it will lead people to doubting their faith. Where in Scripture do we see that these things are measures of knowing Him or being in right relationship with Him? There also seems to be a forgetfulness that the Holy Spirit is the presence of God with us at all times so even if we aren’t feeling it, He is still with us.
Despite the parts of the book that might be good for a Christian to consider about his/her life, there is far more in this book that could lead someone away from truth that I would not recommend it. You can get the Biblically based encouragements from other books, sermons, or the Bible itself.
July 27, 2024
I love Linda Dillow's books. Her writing is so digestible yet deeply impactful. Her themes and lessons manage to find a home in my heart that remain far after the turning of the last page.
I still remember the lessons learned in my last Linda Dillow book from months ago, and I feel this book will be no exception.
We experience greater intimacy with the Lord through our WORSHIP of Him. But worship is far more than singing a song of praise during Sunday service. Scripture often refers to worship as a "sacrifice" (See Hebrews 13:15-16, Psalms 50:23, and Romans 12:1). This implies that worshipping God can sometimes be painful and forces us to "let go" of something and give it to God. This is the nature of sacrifice. But the Lord is faithful, and no sacrifice we make to our loving Father is ever in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
We worship Him when we bow (or submit) our life to Him... when we bow our words. We bow our attitude. We bow our work. We bow our pain. We bow our WILL.
Each time we say yes to offering more of ourselves upon His altar, the more of Him we receive. (The recollection of the story of Abraham and Isaac from Genesis 22:1-18 was a perfect way to conclude the book!)
A final thing I appreciate is how she incorporates so many real-life stories from other women. How impactful, humbling, and memorable. And I LOVE the application suggestions/ideas. They served as practical ways we could "implement" these teachings into our lives. Many books don't have this element, but I adore and celebrate that Linda does this!
A wonderful book that I am sad to conclude! Thankfully I still have more Linda Dillow books yet to read. :D
I still remember the lessons learned in my last Linda Dillow book from months ago, and I feel this book will be no exception.
We experience greater intimacy with the Lord through our WORSHIP of Him. But worship is far more than singing a song of praise during Sunday service. Scripture often refers to worship as a "sacrifice" (See Hebrews 13:15-16, Psalms 50:23, and Romans 12:1). This implies that worshipping God can sometimes be painful and forces us to "let go" of something and give it to God. This is the nature of sacrifice. But the Lord is faithful, and no sacrifice we make to our loving Father is ever in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
We worship Him when we bow (or submit) our life to Him... when we bow our words. We bow our attitude. We bow our work. We bow our pain. We bow our WILL.
Each time we say yes to offering more of ourselves upon His altar, the more of Him we receive. (The recollection of the story of Abraham and Isaac from Genesis 22:1-18 was a perfect way to conclude the book!)
A final thing I appreciate is how she incorporates so many real-life stories from other women. How impactful, humbling, and memorable. And I LOVE the application suggestions/ideas. They served as practical ways we could "implement" these teachings into our lives. Many books don't have this element, but I adore and celebrate that Linda does this!
A wonderful book that I am sad to conclude! Thankfully I still have more Linda Dillow books yet to read. :D
March 29, 2024
O carte superbă care mi-a oferit o experiență superbă, dar cel mai important, care mi-a oferit o înțelegere mai profundă a ceea ce este relația și intimitatea cu Dumnezeu. Îmi e ciudă când cărțile mă lasă fără cuvinte pentru ca nu pot explica cat de mult ador cartea. Mai bine zis cat de mult m-a făcut să Îl ador pe Dumnezeu. Aceasta e carte care mi-a dat să gust din Dumnezeu și care a pus în mine dorința după o relație și mai apropiată de El, o relație care să îi păstreze prezența în viața mea în fiecare secundă, în orice activitate, nu doar când sunt cu Biblia în mâna sau pe genunchi. Recomand cartea din toată inima
March 17, 2022
We went through this together in my Bible study group at church, and it was incredibly enlightening about the various aspects of worship. I immensely enjoyed the way she built upon them through each chapter. Her writing was engaging and enjoyable to read; I highly recommend this book to anyone, especially if you're feeling disconnected from God in your quiet time or just in general.
May 29, 2024
I would give this book a million stars. Over the past ten weeks, I have undergone a heart transplant. I cannot describe it in any other way. This was a beautiful journey through what it means to truly worship God and making your life a living sacrifice to Him. Highly recommend this Bible study.
November 9, 2017
Done during a women’s study. The only problem was some weeks we had to do two chapters with the exercises & questions. I recommend doing one chapter a week.
August 18, 2018
Why did I wait too long to finish this? Ah, because of the timing of every chapter = my real life. Will definitely review this on the blog soon. :)
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July 17, 2019Implineste-mi sufletul insetat - Linda Dillow
May 2, 2021
This book provides excellent resources and practical application on how to grow your relationship with God!
November 17, 2022
One of my favorite studies so far that my small group has completed. I will return to it over and over again.
September 4, 2024
It’s a hard read in the sense it will make you really question things. But so good.
March 7, 2025
I loved this book and read it in bite-sized portions so I could fully absorb the truths. It greatly challenged me when it comes to worshiping God....especially for this year, trying to create some new habits. Every time I read one of Linda's books, I always end up having grown in my walk with God. Easy to read. She has such depth without feeling philosophical.
June 9, 2022
Love Linda Dillow's writing. So much wisdom. Always leaves me with much to think and pray about.
January 12, 2025
wow this girl is good. totally changed my view of worship. really enjoyed her poetic style of writing and practical examples
November 29, 2013
A very satisfying read and I believe I got so much more out of it because I read it with some wonderful ladies in a Bible study group. It was so nice to connect with them and discuss each chapter weekly for 12 weeks! I did not necessarily make every change in the book, but I definitely grew over the three months we met to cover this book! Of course, I still need to grow more but I can see where I made progress!
I loved the book of James 3: 7-8 "For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison." I truly need to think before I speak because my tongue does need taming at times and I know how much words can harm.
I have also tried to grow in my gratitude and be thankful for all that I have. When disappointed or angry, I need to remember to be thankful for the blessings I have received.
We start our next Bible study in January and I look forward to it!
I loved the book of James 3: 7-8 "For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison." I truly need to think before I speak because my tongue does need taming at times and I know how much words can harm.
I have also tried to grow in my gratitude and be thankful for all that I have. When disappointed or angry, I need to remember to be thankful for the blessings I have received.
We start our next Bible study in January and I look forward to it!
July 6, 2012
Slow beginning, but so practical, and inspiring. Too many little stories, although they were helpful. She draws from a wealth of personal experiences, quotes, lives of others as well as scripture. She tended to give too many personal examples which made her sound super spiritual (but not prideful). I would have liked to have read more connections with Christ and the gospel at the end of the chapters because the desire to grow in worship is directly tied to how deeply one applies the good news in our hearts. If Christ isnt at the center, then there is a danger for self-righteousness to creep in. I loved her sincerity, vulnerability and passion for God.
April 23, 2016
I know it looks like it took me forever to read this book, however, I was doing it with a group of ladies at our local church. Taking each chapter and breaking them down with numerous opinions was refreshing. Linda Dillow takes you deep into finding that "worship with Jesus" time.
She shares several stories from people she's come in contact with and uses every moment to worship and bow to Jesus.
I did enjoy this book very much, it will remain in my book collection for future reference.
She shares several stories from people she's come in contact with and uses every moment to worship and bow to Jesus.
I did enjoy this book very much, it will remain in my book collection for future reference.
September 25, 2012
If you are looking to meet God on a more intimate level, this is an incredible read to help you get there. Worship is more than just the thing we do at church once a week. It is a life position. I can honestly say that this devotional taught me how to worship. Reading this book and doing the bible study completely deepened my understanding of how God wants to relate to us.
August 13, 2014
I don't know if it is me or the book, but I had a hard time getting through it. Perhaps I'm not in a spiritual place right now that allows me to be open to these ideas, perhaps the writing is just not jiving with me. The concepts make sense and appear to be appropriate. This just didn't impact me like "Calm My Anxious Heart" did.
August 4, 2016
A lot about Dillow's writing style irritated me, but what I gained from her insights and the study portion at the end of the book far outweighs that. The way I approach prayer has already changed forever, and my understanding of worship has expanded. Beyond the book itself, what God taught me through it is priceless. How amazing is that?
October 5, 2014
A wonderful study with good practical advice on how to achieve and maintain intimacy with God. As Dillow says, "When we adore Him, worship becomes a completely personal love exchange between God and the worshipper!" This sums up the essence of the book. I also appreciated the mostly practical 12 week bible study that was included and not sold separately. Well done, Ms. Dillow.
February 5, 2013
I tried reading this book for a Bible study with my girls friends and it wasn't for us. We LOVED Calm my Anxious Heart but we agreed we'd need more life experience for this book. Saving it for years from now to try again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews