The Daily CHEW™
CHEW on God’s Love. Live Transformed. Multiply Hope.
The Driven Life (and the Toll It Takes)
If you know Myers-Briggs, you’ll know I’m a classic Judger—I live by my calendar, I crave a plan, and, thanks to my CliftonStrengths Achiever, I’m energized by seeing the work pile on, knowing I’ve got the endurance for it all. When I’m thriving, it carries me far. But when I slip into what I call “orphan mode”—living as if it’s all up to me and no one’s coming to help—the stress delivers a brutal double-whammy: exhaustion and a never-ending urgency to keep going just to feel okay.
Early in my walk, I chalked up these patterns to temperament and calling. But everything began to shift when I heard Tim Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in NYC, years before 2002, teach on meditating—chewing—on God’s truth. At first, Christian meditation felt foreign, especially in a world where “mindfulness” was drifting increasingly into New Age waters. But as I began to daily CHEW on God’s love—not just think about it, but meditate slowly, letting it work its way from head to heart—something profound happened. It wasn’t just a spiritual exercise; it was a seismic realignment.
Old Rhythms, New Results
Here’s what surprised me most: the more I slowed down to CHEW on God’s love, the more I began to notice when orphan mode was creeping in. Far from a sign of backsliding, this was God’s mercy—showing me just how much I couldn’t fix it myself. I started to realize how often I had made an idol of high performance, measuring myself with metrics that could never give rest or security. And here’s the shocker: as I rooted my heart in the truth that “the Father loves me as much as He loves Jesus,” the energy I used to spend suppressing this truth began to lift. My heart became more sensitive—sometimes even emotional—over God’s love.
The Byproduct: Unforced Fruitfulness
This heart freedom didn’t leave my productivity behind; far from it. My performance actually increased—but not because of pressure. My to-do list felt lighter, my stamina grew, and my compulsive edge was gentled by a deeper, Gospel-rooted joy. The pressure to prove evaporated, replaced by the privilege of purposeful, Spirit-empowered work.
A CHEW™ Reset for Productivity and Trust
- Breathe: God’s love welcomes you at your busiest and your most depleted.
- Adore: “Father, thank You for delighting in me not for what I accomplish, but because I belong to Christ.”
- Confess: Where am I white-knuckling my work—functioning like an orphan, rather than a beloved child? Where have I made achievement my spiritual barometer?
- Hear:
- “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act.” (Psalm 37:5)
- “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
- “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.” (John 15:9)
- Exchange: If I really believed God’s love is steadfast, freeing, and able to bear fruit through me without frantic striving, how would that reshape my workday, my relationship with my to-do list, or my willingness to pause and rest?
- Walk: What is one deliberate act of trust I can weave into today—whether that’s scheduling margin, praying over my unfinished tasks, or simply letting a moment of love interrupt the rush?
- Thanksgiving Worship: Thank You, Lord, that productivity rooted in Your love brings true fruit and real peace.
CHEW On This™
Set an alarm midway through your day and bring your to-do list or your top worry to God as you revisit the Exchange question above:
If I really believed God’s love is steadfast, freeing, and able to bear fruit through me without frantic striving, how would that reshape my workday, my relationship with my to-do list, or my willingness to pause and rest?
Let this question, and not your schedule, direct your heart.
A Satisfying Workday Starts With Surrender
God isn’t against your stamina, your plans, or your drive—He made you with them. But through daily CHEWing, you and I can trade pressure for peace, and turn high performance into humble witness of His faithfulness. When productivity flows from Gospel-rooted trust, rest and fruitfulness go hand in hand.
Select Resources:
- God’s Love: The Surprising Source of Sustainable Discipline and Real Change
- What Are Core Beliefs? The Quiet Engine Behind Growth, Healing, and Hope
- Scripture for Common Struggles & Growth
- Resource Blog: Habit Formation & Growth Mindset Guide
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Browse the full archive anytime for insights and growth:
https://1stprinciplegroup.com/blog/
With you for the journey,
Ryan
CHEW on God’s Love. Live Transformed. Multiply Hope.
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