The Daily CHEW™
Moving God’s Love from Head to Heart for Christian Professionals
Sarah sits in her counselor’s office, exhausted. “I don’t know how to pray anymore,” she says. “I open my Bible and the words blur together. I try to have a quiet time, but I just… feel nothing. God feels a million miles away, and I don’t know how to bridge the gap.” Her counselor leans forward. “What if you stopped trying so hard? What if you gave yourself permission to just… be with God in ways that feel natural right now—even if that means watching a Christian comedy special or listening to Scripture while you fold laundry?” Sarah looks confused. “That counts?” For many Christians—especially high performers—connecting with God feels like another item on the to-do list, another task to execute perfectly. But when life is overwhelming, when faith feels dry, or when God seems distant, sometimes the answer isn’t to try harder—it’s to try differently. And sometimes, the connection is hard to make because there’s something between us and God that needs to be cleared through raw, honest prayer.
Gospel Insight: God Works Transformation When We Stop Striving and Start Receiving—Meeting Him Where We Are, Not Where We Think We Should Be
God works transformation not by demanding perfect spiritual performance, but by meeting us exactly where we are—exhausted, distracted, dry, or distant—and inviting us to connect with Him in ways that fit our current capacity. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, ESV). God doesn’t shame us for feeling distant—He invites us to come as we are.
Surprise: Scripture teaches that God has given us means of grace—ordinary channels through which He communicates Christ and His benefits to us. These include the Word (reading and hearing Scripture), the sacraments (baptism and Communion), and prayer. But connecting with God also includes passive practices that help us ease back into His presence—listening to Christian comedians, watching Scripture-based films, listening to audiobooks, or exploring topics we’re curious about on YouTube. And sometimes, when we feel distant from God, it’s because something is blocking the connection—unconfessed sin, buried anger, or unspoken doubts—and we need to clear that through raw prayer: honest, unfiltered conversation with God about what we’re really feeling[Raw Prayer blog]. When we stop performing and start receiving—meeting God through His appointed means and through creative, accessible practices—we discover that He’s been there all along, waiting for us to stop striving and start resting.
Let’s CHEW on this right now.
CHEW On This™ in 3–5 Minutes
- Confess (C): “Father, I confess I’ve been striving to connect with You instead of receiving Your presence. I’ve treated prayer and Scripture like tasks to complete perfectly, and when I can’t, I feel like a failure. Help me see that You meet me where I am—exhausted, distracted, or distant—and that You’ve given me many ways to connect with You, not just one.”
- Hear (H): “Father, what Scripture do You want me to wrestle with right now?”
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29, ESV).
God doesn’t demand perfection—He invites us to come as we are and find rest in Him. - Exchange (E): “If I really believed God’s love for me is so secure that I don’t need to perform spiritually to earn His presence—that He meets me in my exhaustion, distractions, and dryness, and invites me to connect with Him in ways that fit my current capacity—what would that do to my guilt, shame, and belief that I’m failing Him?”
Today, I give You my striving and my belief that I must connect with You perfectly, and I receive Your invitation to rest in Your presence—through Your Word, prayer, and even creative, passive practices that help me ease back in. - Walk (W): “Holy Spirit, guide me to the next step that pleases You.”
Here’s the step I believe pleases You: This week, I’ll try one new way to connect with You that feels life-giving right now—whether listening to Scripture, watching a Christian film, practicing raw prayer, or sitting in silence with You. I’ll stop performing and start receiving.
When God Feels Distant: Clear the Blockage With Raw Prayer
Sometimes the reason we feel distant from God isn’t because we’re not trying hard enough—it’s because there’s something between us and Him that needs to be cleared[Raw Prayer blog].
- What blocks connection:
- Unconfessed sin or buried guilt
- Anger at God for unanswered prayers or painful circumstances
- Doubt, fear, or unspoken questions we’re afraid to voice
- Shame or the belief that we’re too broken for God to love us[Raw Prayer blog]
- What raw prayer is: Honest, unfiltered conversation with God about what you’re really feeling—no sugarcoating, no religious language, just brutal honesty[Raw Prayer blog].
- Why it works: God already knows what you’re thinking and feeling. When you bring it into the light through raw prayer, you’re not informing Him—you’re inviting Him into your mess. And that’s where healing begins[Raw Prayer blog].
- How to practice raw prayer:
- Get alone with God—no distractions[Raw Prayer blog].
- Tell Him exactly what you’re feeling: “I’m angry that You didn’t heal my mom. I don’t understand why You let this happen. I feel abandoned.”[Raw Prayer blog]
- Don’t edit. Don’t perform. Just be honest[Raw Prayer blog].
- Wait. Listen. Let Him respond—not with audible words, but with His presence, peace, or a Scripture that comes to mind[Raw Prayer blog].
- For more on raw prayer: Raw Prayer: When Faith Gets Honest and God Gets Real
Passive Practices: When Active Spiritual Disciplines Feel Impossible
When you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, or spiritually dry, passive practices can help you ease back into God’s presence without the pressure of performing.
- Why passive practices work: They allow you to receive God’s truth and presence without the effort of producing. They create space for the Holy Spirit to work when you’re too tired to strive.
1. Listen to Funny Christian Comedians
Laughter is a gift from God—and humor can open your heart to Him in ways that heavy theology can’t.
- Why it works: Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). When you laugh, you’re remembering that God is good, that life isn’t all heavy, and that faith can be fun.
- How to do it: Search YouTube for Christian comedians like John Crist, Tim Hawkins, or Michael Jr. Watch a 10-minute clip while you eat breakfast or fold laundry.
- What it does: It reminds you that God isn’t a stern taskmaster—He delights in you, and He invites you to experience joy.
2. Watch Scripture-Based Films
Sometimes seeing Scripture come to life on screen helps us connect with God’s story in a fresh way.
- Examples: The Gospel of John, The Chosen, The Passion of the Christ, Paul, Apostle of Christ.
- Why it works: Visual storytelling engages your imagination and emotions in ways that reading alone might not—especially when you’re exhausted.
- How to do it: Pick one evening this week to watch a Scripture-based film. Let yourself experience the story without pressure to “apply” it immediately.
3. Listen to Scripture While You Do Other Things
Listening to the Bible while you commute, exercise, or do chores removes the pressure of sitting still and lets God’s Word wash over you.
- Why it works: Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” You don’t have to sit at a desk to receive God’s Word—you can hear it while you live your life.
- How to do it: Download a Bible app (like YouVersion or Dwell) and listen to a chapter or two while you drive, cook, or walk.
4. Explore Christian Topics on YouTube
If you’re curious about a theological question or a topic related to faith, YouTube can be a gateway back to God.
- Examples: Search for topics like “Why does God allow suffering?” or “What does the Bible say about anxiety?” or “How do I know if I’m saved?”
- Why it works: Curiosity is a gift from God. When you follow your questions, you’re inviting Him to teach you in ways that feel natural and engaging.
- How to do it: Start with one question you’ve been wondering about. Watch a short video from a trusted Christian teacher (like The Gospel Coalition, Ligonier Ministries, or Desiring God).
5. Listen to Christian Audiobooks or Podcasts
Sometimes hearing someone else’s story of faith or hearing theology explained in a conversational way helps us reconnect.
- Examples: Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis, The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom, or podcasts like The Gospel Coalition Podcast or Ask Pastor John.
- Why it works: You’re letting someone else do the “heavy lifting” while you receive. It’s passive, but it’s still nourishing.
Active Practices: Time-Tested Means of Grace
When you’re ready for more active engagement, these practices are God’s appointed means for meeting with Him.
1. Practice CHEW Daily
CHEW is a simple, 10-minute practice that moves God’s love from head to heart[Reignite Your Faith With CHEW].
- What is CHEW? Confess honestly, Hear from Scripture, Exchange lies for truth, Walk in obedience[Reignite Your Faith With CHEW].
- Why it works: It’s structured but flexible, short but powerful. It helps you connect with God even when you don’t feel like it[Reignite Your Faith With CHEW].
- How to do it: Set aside 10 minutes. Confess where you are spiritually. Read one passage of Scripture. Ask: “What lie am I believing? What’s God’s truth?” Take one small step of obedience[Reignite Your Faith With CHEW].
2. Read Scripture Daily (The Primary Means of Grace)
The Word of God is the primary means by which the Holy Spirit creates and strengthens faith.
- Why it works: Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Scripture reveals God’s character, His promises, and His love.
- How to do it:
3. Pray (The Second Essential Means of Grace)
Prayer is conversation with God—honest, unfiltered, and real.
- Why it works: Prayer invites God into your life. It’s how you talk to Him about everything—gratitude, struggles, questions, and needs.
- How to do it:
4. Participate in the Sacraments (Baptism and Communion)
The sacraments are visible signs of God’s invisible grace.
- Why they matter: Baptism marks your identity in Christ. Communion reminds you of His sacrifice and strengthens your faith.
- How to do it: Participate in Communion regularly at your church. Reflect on what Christ did for you as you take the bread and cup.
5. Practice Silence and Solitude
Silence and solitude create space for God to speak and for your soul to rest.
- Why it works: In the noise and busyness of life, silence allows you to stop doing and simply be with God. As Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
- How to do it:
6. Worship Through Music
Worship music connects us to God emotionally and spiritually.
- Why it works: Music bypasses intellectual defenses and speaks directly to the heart. It reminds us of God’s character and stirs our affections for Him.
- How to do it:
7. Meditate on Scripture
Meditation isn’t emptying your mind—it’s filling it with God’s Word and letting it soak in.
- Why it works: Meditation helps you move from intellectual knowledge to heart knowledge. You’re not just reading—you’re reflecting, savoring, and allowing God’s truth to transform you.
- How to do it:
8. Journal
Writing helps you process your thoughts, prayers, and what you’re hearing from God.
- Why it works: Journaling externalizes what’s swirling in your head, making it easier to see patterns, confess sin, and track God’s faithfulness.
- How to do it:
9. Fast
Fasting is voluntarily abstaining from food (or something else) to focus on God.
- Why it works: Fasting reminds you that you’re dependent on God, not on food or comfort. It creates space for prayer and deepens your hunger for Him.
- How to do it:
10. Serve Others
Faith becomes real when it’s put into action.
- Why it works: When you serve others, you’re loving your neighbor as yourself—and that’s how you love God (Matthew 22:37-39).
- How to do it:
11. Walk in Nature
God’s creation declares His glory (Psalm 19:1).
- Why it works: Nature invites you to experience awe, wonder, and gratitude—all of which draw your heart to God.
- How to do it:
12. Engage in Christian Community
You weren’t meant to follow Jesus alone—you need the body of Christ.
- Why it works: Christian community provides encouragement, accountability, and a place to practice love.
- How to do it:
Worship Invitation
Thank God today that He doesn’t demand perfect spiritual performance—He invites you to come as you are, exhausted or energized, dry or desperate. Worship Him by trying one new way to connect with Him this week—whether through raw prayer, listening to Scripture, or sitting in silence. He’s been there all along, waiting for you to stop striving and start resting.
Community + Resources
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Every step remains prayerful and relational—God is the active subject, we receive and respond. When God feels distant, we can connect with Him through His appointed means of grace (Scripture, prayer, sacraments) and through creative, passive practices that ease us back into His presence. And when something is blocking the connection, raw prayer clears the way. Stop striving. Start receiving. He’s been waiting for you all along[Raw Prayer blog][Reignite Your Faith With CHEW].
With you on the journey,
Ryan
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