“I used to think I’d never change. But when I started chewing on God’s love in my hardest moments, I finally saw real hope and real progress—one day at a time.”
Why Old Patterns Feel So Hard to Break
We all have habits, reactions, or thought cycles that seem to stick—no matter how much we pray, try harder, or make resolutions. Maybe it’s anger, anxiety, people-pleasing, procrastination, or a secret struggle you’re ashamed to name. You might wonder, “Will I ever really change?”
Sometimes the old pattern feels like a weight on your chest or a knot in your stomach. The truth is, lasting transformation doesn’t come from willpower alone. It comes from letting God’s love reach the roots of your struggle—again and again—until His truth becomes more real than your old patterns.
The Power of Chewing on God’s Love—Right Where You’re Stuck
The CHEW on This™ framework isn’t just for “good days” or quiet times. It’s for the moments you feel most stuck, discouraged, or defeated. God’s love is not just a comfort; it’s the power that breaks chains, renews your mind, and gives you a fresh start.
How to CHEW When You’re Stuck
1. Confess—Get Honest with God
- “God, I keep falling into the same pattern. I feel hopeless and ashamed.”
- “I want to change, but I don’t know how.”
- Brief Prayer: “Lord, I bring You my struggle. Meet me here with Your love and help.”
2. Hear—Find a Truth That Speaks to Your Struggle
- “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us…and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
- “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
- Brief Prayer: “Holy Spirit, show me what’s true about me in Christ, even when I feel stuck.”
3. Exchange—Chew on a Question That Breaks the Cycle
- “If I really believed God’s love is stronger than my old habits, how would that change what I do next?”
- “If I really believed I am a new creation, how would that change the way I see myself after I fail?”
- “If I really believed God forgives me and never gives up on me, how would that change my next step?”
- Brief Prayer: “Jesus, help me believe Your love is bigger than this pattern. Change my heart as I chew on Your truth.”
4. Walk—Take One Small Step Forward
- When you feel the old urge or thought, pause and chew your question again.
- Text a friend or accountability partner: “I’m struggling—can you pray for me right now?”
- Do one thing differently—pray, take a walk, read a verse, or reach out for support.
- Thank God for even the smallest progress.
- Brief Prayer: “Father, help me take the next step with You. Thank You that Your love is with me, even in my weakness.”
Mini Story
“Last week, I was tempted to spiral into an old habit after a stressful meeting. Instead of giving in, I paused, whispered my CHEW question, and texted my friend for prayer. The urge didn’t disappear instantly, but I felt less alone—and for the first time, I chose a new response. Sometimes, the heaviness lifted just a little, and that was enough to keep going.”
What Changes When You CHEW in Stuck Places?
- You stop hiding and start inviting God into your real struggles.
- You experience more hope and less shame, even before you see big changes.
- You notice old patterns losing their grip, little by little.
- You become more compassionate with yourself and others who struggle.
- You start to believe that real change is possible—because God’s love never gives up.
Try This: The Stuck-to-Freedom CHEW Challenge
For the next seven days, set a reminder on your phone to CHEW whenever you notice your old pattern.
At the end of the week, journal what changed—no matter how small.
If you slip up, don’t let shame win. Pause, CHEW again, and remember: God’s love is for you right now, not just when you get it right.
Share your chew question with a friend or group, and ask them to pray for you. If it helps, print a simple “Stuck-to-Freedom CHEW Card” to keep in your pocket or on your desk.
Notice what changes—and look for our next blog: “Finding Joy in Ordinary Days.” This blog is part of a series on chewing on God’s word, so you can see our previous post here.
Transparency Note: This series 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.
