Deeper Still: Finding Clear Minds and Full Hearts through Biblical Meditation

by Linda Allcock

Finding clear minds and full hearts through biblical meditation. We live in a fast-paced world, and our minds are working in overdrive. Mindfulness promises a method of tuning out the voices for a few minutes to live in the moment. Biblical meditation offers something an opportunity to be transformed by God's voice of truth. Psalm 1 says that the person who delights in God’s word and meditates on it day and night is like a “tree planted by streams of water”. Linda Allcock gives us a framework to help us slow down and dwell deeply on God’s word so that it clears our minds and fills our hearts, making a real difference to the way we live. This book will help Christians who feel overwhelmed by their thought life, as well as those who want to go deeper in their devotional life. Full of down-to-earth anecdotes and practical advice, this warm and accessible book is designed to help make biblical meditation part of your everyday life.

131 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2020

Reviews

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was a teenager, I attended some church youth retreats that emphasized memorizing and meditating on Scripture. I was the type of nerd who thought that this was a wonderful experience, and even though I am rusty on some of the passages that we learned, I can still recite Jeremiah 17:5-10 to perfection. When I first saw this book, the tree design made me think of that passage and the favorite retreat t-shirt that I still wear, and reading this brought back wonderful memories of how well my childhood church supported my spiritual formation. This book addresses the importance of dwelling on Scripture in the midst of daily life, and does so in a way that is accessible both to people like me and to those who are new to the concept.

The Meaning of Meditation

Linda Allcock clearly differentiates biblical meditation from the types of meditation taught by other religions or in secular workshops. She affirms the value of mindfulness meditation as a way to relax, be aware of the moment, and relieve anxiety, but encourages Christians to go beyond this and experience the relief that comes from meditating on God's truth, instead of just emptying our minds. She shares about her own experiences dealing with postpartum depression in the past, showing how she was able to take action against distorted thought patterns by emphasizing truth and hope from Scripture. In this book, she makes a case for how valuable meditation is, and guides readers through the process.

Encouragement and Hope

Each chapter addresses different elements of Bible study, ongoing meditation, and talking to yourself in a way that redirects stressful, self-defeating thoughts towards biblical truth. The chapters all conclude with examples and ideas for how readers can put these ideas into practice. However, even though Allcock emphasizes spiritual disciplines throughout this book, she never emphasizes a person's own performance as the anchor for their salvation. She consistently highlights the work of Christ on our behalf, encouraging her readers that even when they struggle, God approves of them in Christ, is with them, and loves them. This book is full of encouragement and hope, and regardless of how long someone has been a Christian, there will be something here that can help them reevaluate their devotional practices, fight distraction, and anchor themselves to God's truth in the midst of life's demands.

I read this book straight through in a few days, but readers could also break it up into shorter readings as part of their devotions. It is important to read the chapters in consecutive order, because they build on each other, but the book can adapt to a flexible reading schedule. This could also be a great group study resource, especially for people who have a hard time staying motivated and could use the additional accountability to put this book's ideas into practice. Overall, this is a timely and helpful resource for Christians who want to experience peace from mindfulness while also actively grounding themselves in the Bible.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are busy times. Many of us, myself included, find it hard to rest in God’s Word. There must be a better way than skimming random passages. In Deeper Still, Linda Allcock helps us find clear minds and full hearts through biblical meditation.

Truth as Treasure

Allcock is a Bible teacher, author, and mother of three boys - all while working alongside her husband, Jonty, at The Globe Church in central London. At just over 150 pages, her book is a guide to help you make the most of meditation.

The book is divided into three sections: (1) Still Your Mind, (2) Fill Your Heart, and (3) Feed Day and Night. Allcock directs us to ask the Lord for wisdom, look for truth as for treasure, turn our hearts to Christ, learn the truth in God’s Word, and faithfully live it out.

Turn Your Heart

Because this is a book on meditation, Allcock also teaches how to read and interpret the Bible. Once a Biblical truth is discovered, she recommends questions to help expose the lies, explore the truth, and turn your heart. She also offers P. S. sections discussing practical tips such as finding a physical Bible and putting down our phones.

I was most moved by Chapter 7: Learn the Truth. She explains how using memory aids, singing Scriptural songs, and talking amongst others about the Word are helpful tools for legitimate meditation. She makes the point that Psalm 119 - in the original language - is an acrostic poem, and the acrostic style aids in memorization.

Winter Fuel

Allcock describes meditating on Scriptures as our winter fuel. Few live according to God’s Word during these cold, dark days. And as the real winter season approaches, I can think of no better way to spend my time than to meditate on God’s Word. It is bread for our winter, and a light in the darkness.

I received a media copy of Deeper Still and this is my honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book purports to be about "Biblical Meditation" vs. "Secular Meditation", but really she is just talking about the way we think changing our actions. It's more CBT than it is anything else - but CBT that is based on truth, so it's a good book!

It is a solid book about spiritual disciplines. The author is sharp and thoughtful, it is easily applicable, and the audiobook is read by a woman who is DELIGHTED to be reading it, which is fun.

I would easily recommend this to someone who wants some basics of growing in the Christian life, or anyone who feels like they want a refresher course themselves!

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Meditate

We are surrounded by methods on how to meditate. But ultimately every method of meditation leads to the self. In this book we are urged to turn our attention to God. We will meditate imperfectly, but the point of meditation is tune our life over to God, who makes all things new, and transforms into the image of Christ.

[Anne Tissier · Rating 3 out of 5]

A helpful insight into the art of meditating on scripture with some engaging personal stories and practical exercises.

[Ian Rees · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very clear and helpful observations about the Biblical practice of meditation, focusing on God and his word. Some good practical exercises and application.

[Michael Shallvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A refreshing book to help get more out of your Bible times through biblical meditation. Very practical, timely, good use of humour, appreciated the authors honesty and vulnerability.