On the fourth Friday of each month in 2026, we’re studying The Answer to Anxiety by Joyce Meyer. Join me as we learn practical. Scripture-based steps we can take when fear or worry try to take hold.
CHAPTER SEVEN — With Thanksgiving
“Appreciation can make a day—even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.”
— Margaret Cousins
INTRODUCTION
“Be thankful and say so.”
— Psalm 100:4
In Chapter Seven, Joyce Meyer teaches us about the power of living with thanksgiving. Gratitude is not based on circumstances—it is a choice we make regardless of what is happening in our lives. Joyce reminds us that what we focus on, and how often we complain, directly affects our ability to remain thankful.
When we intentionally express gratitude, we guard our hearts against entitlement and keep ourselves from taking God—and others—for granted.
“God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say thank you?”
— William Arthur Ward
ARE YOU FOCUSED ON YOUR BLESSINGS OR YOUR PROBLEMS?
“Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks.”
— Philippians 4:6
What we focus on grows larger in our minds. Joyce shares a personal story about complaining to God about her husband—only to discover that when she listed what she appreciated, the good far outweighed the bad.
When we choose to focus on what is good:
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- our attitudes improve
- our joy increases
- our relationships become healthier
- we become easier to live with
“The soul that gives thanks can find comfort in everything;
the soul that complains can find comfort in nothing.”
— Hannah Whitall Smith
GRATITUDE OR COMPLAINING?
“Do everything without complaining and arguing… shining like bright lights in a dark world.”
— Philippians 2:14–15
Complaining reveals a lack of appreciation. Joyce teaches that gratitude gives us spiritual strength, while complaining weakens us. We cannot defeat the enemy if we are constantly grumbling.
“Don’t complain about something you’re not willing to do something about.”
— Joyce Meyer
THE SACRIFICE OF PRAISE
“Let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God.”
— Hebrews 13:15
Thankfulness isn’t always easy—but that’s when it matters most. Sacrificial praise means thanking God even when we don’t feel like it. No matter our circumstances, God is still good, and we are more blessed than we often realize.
FIND THE GOOD IN EVERYTHING
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” ~James 1:2–4
Those who look for good—even in hardship—grow stronger and more joyful. Difficult seasons stretch our faith and help shape us into who God wants us to be. Gratitude allows us to trust that God is working all things together for good.
CALL TO ACTION
This week, intentionally practice thanksgiving:
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- Write down three things you’re grateful for each day
- Catch yourself when you complain—and replace it with thanks
- Thank God out loud, even when it feels uncomfortable
See how gratitude begins to change your perspective.
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord, thank You for the many blessings in my life—both seen and unseen. Help me choose gratitude over complaining and praise over frustration. Teach me to trust You and give thanks in all things. Amen.
