The Daily CHEW™
Chew on God’s Love. Live Transformed. Multiply Hope.
Monday didn’t start with a crisis, but it sure ended like one: halfway through a Zoom call, something I said was inappropriately challenged by a senior executive. Instantly, I felt dismissed, minimized—not just personally, but like my ability to deliver, to secure things for my family, and to make my work matter, was suddenly under threat. Pressure built to “prove I was right,” to pump out a resource-filled email, to perform just right or lose the corporate contract. Behind it all, my orphan mode was raging: Anxiety, scrambling, and that voice saying, “You’re alone. Now fix this or you’re done.”
Maybe you know exactly what that’s like. Maybe you’ve had moments when someone’s quick rejection or public challenge made you forget every Gospel truth you professed. Maybe you too have felt that pressure: defend, achieve, impress—fast. Maybe you’ve silently wondered, “Does it even matter if I’m a beloved child of God when the stakes are this high?”
The truth is: Deep down, these moments aren’t just about workplace drama or reputational repair. They’re about our heart’s longing for security, love, and value (what I call our SALVES drivers). In those triggered minutes, my longing for significance and acceptance gunned the engine. But rushing to fill the hole with performance or people-pleasing will never satisfy. Only God’s love—deeper than every verdict, secure enough to hold you even in public embarrassment—can address what’s really going on.
A CHEW Reset for the Moment You Want to Prove Yourself
Join me for 3-5 minutes—whether you’re on the plane, at your desk, or walking the dog—because a Gospel reset is always possible, in real life.
You can use the CHEW + SALVES Fillable Worksheet for this practice.
CHEW in 3–5 Minutes:
- Breathe:
Take three slow breaths. Remind yourself that God’s love and presence are here now. - Adore:
“Father, You love me right now, before I accomplish anything, defend myself, or fix this. Thank You.” - Confess:
“What am I actually feeling?”
Anxiety. Pressure to perform. The ache to be valued and safe. Fear of losing credibility.
“What’s under the surface?”
The craving to be seen, valued, and secure (my SALVES drivers for acceptance and significance). - Hear:
“What promise from God do I most need?”- “Accepted in the Beloved.” (Ephesians 1:6)
- “You are precious in My sight.” (Isaiah 43:4)
- “I have called you by name; you are Mine.” (Isaiah 43:1)
- “Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:39)
- Exchange:
If I really believed God’s love is unshakeable, personal, and enough to anchor my worth, how would that change this anxious scramble for validation and control?- I would exchange frantic striving for trusting rest.
- I would choose honest prayer over frenzied email-proofing.
- I would remember whose beloved son I am—even when challenged.
- Walk:
One small step: Before I respond, I’ll pause, pray, and remember who holds my reputation. Maybe my reply will be simple, honest, and free without needing to prove anything. - Thanksgiving & Worship:
“Father, thank You for loving me not because I prove myself, but because You chose me. Anchor my heart again in Your steady love. I trust You to lead, even here.”
End with gratitude, not results.
*It’s normal for this to feel like two steps forward, one back. Every honest return, even if you fall back into old patterns after, is a real, spiritual win. God is not after flawless self-control or instant peace. He delights every time you come back.
CHEW On This™:
If you believed God’s love is unshakable and personal right in your moment of public embarrassment, how would that reshape your need to defend, achieve, or be seen?
Want More?
Get God’s love from your head to your heart—subscribe to The Daily CHEW™ for daily encouragement, Scripture, and simple practices to help you heal, grow, and lead with clarity and purpose.
Ready for lasting transformation?
Learn how to make CHEWing a daily rhythm in CHEW Groups and beyond.
Chew on God’s Love. Live Transformed. Multiply Hope.
Was this helpful?
