Here are some real-life CHEW journal entries—great for anyone new to CHEW to see how simple and powerful it can be. These are based on actual journaling from a CHEWer, just edited a bit to make them easier to read.
1. Facing Big Projects and Pressure
Situation:
You have two major projects due today. You feel fairly confident, but there’s still a tightness in your chest and a pressure to impress.
CHEW in Action:
- Confess: “God, thank you for my work. I admit I want everything to go perfectly and sometimes my motives aren’t pure.”
- Hear: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for people.” (Colossians 3:23)
- Exchange: “If I really believed God loves me and I work for Him, not people, I could focus on doing my best for Him, not just trying to impress others. I’d know His love isn’t based on my performance.”
- Walk: Decide to focus on doing your best work, pray for guidance, and let go of the pressure to “wow” others.
- Result: You feel more at peace, your heart rate slows, and you can enjoy the process.
Why this matters:
God’s love frees us from the need to prove ourselves and helps us work with joy and integrity.
2. Feeling Insecure About Tomorrow
Situation:
You’ve finished a big assignment, but now you’re anxious about what tomorrow will bring.
CHEW in Action:
- Confess: “God, you’re good and you have a plan for tomorrow. I trust you.”
- Hear: “Not a sparrow falls to the ground outside your Father’s care.” (Matthew 10:29)
- Exchange: “If I really believed God is in control, I could rest tonight, do my best to prepare, and trust Him with the outcome.”
- Walk: Choose to put away your worries, get some rest, and trust God for tomorrow.
- Result: You feel calmer, ready to sleep, and more confident in God’s care.
Why this matters:
God’s love is bigger than our worries, and trusting Him brings real peace.
3. Overwhelmed and Tired
Situation:
I’m exhausted from a busy week and regret taking on extra work that’s distracting me from what matters most.
CHEW in Action:
- Confess: “Father, I’m tired and have taken on too much. I need your help.”
- Hear: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
- Exchange: “If I really believed God loves me, I wouldn’t feel pressured to do everything. I’d focus on what He’s called me to and trust Him with the rest.”
- Walk: I commit to serving my current clients well and saying “no” to new projects for a while.
- Result: I feel lighter, more focused, and free to spend my energy where it matters most.
Why this matters:
God’s love helps us set healthy boundaries and focus on what truly matters.
4. Missing a Close Friend
Situation:
I’m missing a friend who lives far away and wishing I had more time for meaningful connections.
CHEW in Action:
- Confess: “God, I miss having more time with friends and enjoying life together.”
- Hear: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
- Exchange: “If I believed God provides real relationships, I could trust Him to bring the right people into my life and enjoy the connections I have.”
- Walk: Pray about my desire for deeper friendships and trust God to provide what I need.
- Result: I feel more content and hopeful about the relationships in my life.
Why this matters:
God cares about our need for connection and provides relationships that bless us.
5. Struggling with Discipline
Situation:
I planned to start a new healthy routine but I didn’t follow through and feel frustrated with myself.
CHEW in Action:
- Confess: “God, I’m struggling to stick to my routine and resisting discipline.”
- Hear: “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7-8)
- Exchange: “If I really believed God’s love could help me be disciplined, I’d focus on His love, get my sneakers on, and go for that walk—not to earn His love, but because He cares about my health.”
- Walk: Decide to put on my sneakers and go for a walk, trusting God’s love to motivate me.
- Result: I feel encouraged, motivated, and grateful for God’s help in even the small things.
Why this matters:
God’s love empowers us to make positive changes—not out of guilt, but out of gratitude.
Conclusion: Let CHEW Transform Your Day
No matter what your day looks like, CHEW can help you pause, reconnect with God’s love, and move forward with fresh perspective. Try it in your own busy moments—confess honestly, listen for God’s truth, imagine how His love could change your response, and take a small step of faith. You might be surprised by the peace, focus, and joy that follows!
Transparency Note: This resource is crafted in collaboration with advanced AI tools and thoughtfully finalized by the 1st Principle Group staff to ensure biblical faithfulness and practical relevance for our readers. All content is used with permission of the author.
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