I have read John Eldridge’s books before and really enjoyed them. This one was unexpected, in that I didn’t think the book was going in the direction it did. I didn’t get as much out of it as I hoped but I think that’s partly because I had false expectations. Thanks for the E-Arc from the publisher and NetGalley. 3 stars.

I have long adored John Eldredge's books and always jump at the chance to read the latest and greatest. So, when I spotted this one on NetGalley, I requested it straightaway. This was not my favorite book of his, but it was still a good read. The intro where he spelled out how we are disciples of the internet (the expectation of immediate information) and how that impacts our spirituality, I was nodding my head and craving more. And I enjoyed the ongoing reference to Psalm 91, a Psalm of refuge. I know that some reviewers have taken issue with the terminology of Christian mystic, which was not my struggle. I followed along with that train of thought when Eldredge defined mystic as someone who does not require understanding all things and allowing God to be a bit of a mystery. I think that if God is God, He should not be able to be fully understood by our finite minds and I believe that is the point that was made here. I lost focus in some of the details surrounding the mysticism, however. Nonetheless, this book was packed full of tools to use to help with one's prayer life, working through trauma and overall seeking to encounter Jesus regularly. Though the exact wording of the prayers felt a bit uncomfortable to me, I recognize the need to alter my prayer life and hope to use some of the pattern provided in this book. If you are looking for the means of coming to see Jesus in a more concrete way and seeking refuge in God, this is the book for you. Special thanks to Nelson Books and Netgalley for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

This was such a wonderful guide in experiencing Jesus in daily life and actual practices to implement day to day. John is always so encouraging to read, always reminding his readers that there is more to life in God and that we have access to Him. Overall, I gained perspective on the spiritual war and tools to defend myself. John is one of my favorites to read for practical spiritual wisdom.

Honestly, I almost gave up on this book BUT GOD...I’m so glad I didn’t miss this blessing ! It really made me think about how much our constant connection with the internet affects our lives. I loved learning about ordinary mysticism, daily experience/communion/abiding with God and his kingdom.

Jesus is our safe place. The book talks a lot about how the battle for our attention is real, and how important it is to take refuge in Him every day. The prayers throughout the book were beautiful and left me with ways to stay connected to God and call on the name of Jesus on all situations life brings.

The wisdom within these pages is something I know I’ll return to again and again, finding new revelations with each reading.

3.45⭐️ Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

I felt very torn on this one. I went into it thinking that we were going to be discussing how to seek and find God’s presence in a technology and distraction-driven world, which the author did start with, but that was only a fragment of the book. We focused on what a mystic in the faith is and how they differ from the majority of Christians today. Since the Enlightenment and Age of Reason, we as a society are driven for data and science and empirical proof. The author discusses how being a Christian is more than just that, which I definitely agree with, but I don’t think logic and reasoning are antithesis to faith. Some of the ways that things were phrased almost felt as if the author was telling us his opinions and his suggestions were completely true and we should follow accordingly, something which often rubs me the wrong way. Also, the fact that the author kept calling God Papa felt derogatory.

That being said, this book did have some solid chapters here and there, especially as it pertained to seeking God over distraction. I still felt as if I learned something from it, which is what I find important.

This is a book for every church to hand out- it was just phenomenal. Each community group should do this together. The conversations to follow this are life changing.

John Eldredge in his uttermost raw, reflective, and emotional real self guiding us on a deeper journey with our creator. His writing is poetic, deep and meaningful. His story is divine. Not to be missed.

Definitely different than what I'd hoped. May be more useful to others.
Thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book. While I got the book for free it had no bearing on the rating I gave it.