Spiritual Growth – Page 3 – REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES

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 EIGHT — The Discipline of Gratitude

“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.”
— Jim Rohn

INTRODUCTION

“No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.”
— Hebrews 12:11

In Chapter Eight, Joyce Meyer teaches us about the importance of developing discipline in our lives. Discipline is not something we are born with—it must be learned and practiced intentionally. When we discipline ourselves, we choose to do what we know is right even when we don’t feel like it.

Joyce explains that people who practice the discipline of gratitude learn to focus on what they have rather than what they lack. As we intentionally look for the good in our lives and thank God—even for small things—we begin to see just how generous He has been. Gratitude becomes a form of spiritual warfare against the enemy, who would rather keep us focused on complaining than praising.

“The discipline of gratitude is the explicit effort to acknowledge that all I am and have is given to me as a gift of love, a gift to be celebrated with joy.”
— Henri Nouwen

WHAT IS SELF-DISCIPLINE?

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7

Joyce defines self-discipline this way:

“Self-discipline is the ability to control yourself and make yourself do what needs to be done without needing someone else to tell you what to do.”
— Joyce Meyer

She reminds us that we can be disciplined in any area we choose if we are willing to develop strong character, grow in maturity, and do the necessary work. Discipline may be challenging at first, but it produces lasting fruit.

LOOK AROUND YOU

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who indulge in it will eat its fruit.”
— Proverbs 18:21

One practical way to practice the discipline of gratitude is to intentionally look around us. When we notice others who lack things we often take for granted, it helps guard us from self-pity. Gratitude grows when we recognize how much we truly have.

Our words matter. What we speak—life or death, gratitude or complaint—shapes our perspective and affects our peace.

CALL TO ACTION

This week, when anxiety or worry begins to creep in, pause and remember Joyce’s Five Keys to Peace, no matter what your circumstances may be:

1. Remember past victories
2. Fight the good fight of faith
3. Believe that God is in control
4. Trust God
5. Choose to believe how much God loves you

Practice gratitude intentionally and watch how it changes your outlook.

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord, thank You for all the blessings You have given me. Help me grow in self-discipline and choose gratitude each day, even when it is difficult. Teach me to focus on Your goodness and walk in the peace You promise. Amen.

This year, our Bible study will take us through the powerful and hope-filled book of Hebrews. Each month on the 2nd Friday, we’ll discover how its timeless truths strengthen our faith, anchor our hearts, and help us run our race with victory in Christ.

“So Christ has now become the High Priest over all the good things that have come. He has entered that greater, more perfect Tabernacle in heaven, which was not made by human hands and is not part of this created world. With his own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever.”
Hebrews 9:11–12 (NLT)

Hebrews chapter nine begins by reviewing the Old Testament system of worship. The writer carefully describes the earthly Tabernacle and the sacrifices offered by Jewish priests.

These rituals were detailed and sacred. Yet they were temporary.

The tabernacle, its furnishings, and the repeated animal sacrifices were copies — earthly shadows of a greater heavenly reality.

The blood of animals provided ceremonial cleansing. It addressed outward purification. But it could never permanently cleanse the conscience or fully remove sin.

The earthly tabernacle was a copy.
The heavenly tabernacle is the reality.

And the sacrifice required there would have to be far greater.

Christ: The Perfect Sacrifice

When Jesus willingly went to the cross, died, was buried, and rose again, He accomplished what the Old Testament sacrifices could never achieve.

He did not enter an earthly tabernacle.

He entered the true heavenly sanctuary.

And He did not offer the blood of animals.

He offered His own.

Unlike the priests who had to repeat sacrifices year after year, Jesus entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured eternal redemption.

Through His sacrifice, our sins are not merely covered — they are removed.

Through the Holy Spirit, our consciences are cleansed from the “dead works” we attempt in our own strength to earn God’s approval.

We are freed from striving.

We are freed from guilt.

We are freed from repetition.

Why Blood Was Required

The Old Testament requirement for blood sacrifice was not because God is harsh or bloodthirsty.

In Scripture, blood represents life.

Life must be given to atone for sin because sin brings death. From the beginning, God established that sin carries a cost.

Under the old covenant, animals symbolically bore that cost.

Under the new covenant, Jesus bore it completely.

He gave His life so that we could receive life.

We deserved separation from God — spiritual death.
Instead, through Christ’s blood, we are given eternal life.

He paid our penalty so we could be reconciled.

What This Means for Us

Because Christ’s sacrifice was once for all:

- We do not have to relive our failures repeatedly.
- We do not need to earn forgiveness through performance.
- We are not trapped in cycles of guilt.
- We can approach God with confidence.

Our redemption is not temporary.
It is forever.

Our cleansing is not partial.
It is complete.

And our hope is not fragile.
It is secure.

RHW Victory Lens

True victory was secured when Jesus rose from the grave, conquering sin and death once and for all.

We do not run this race trying to achieve victory.

We run from victory — alongside the One who already won it for us.

Because His sacrifice was final, our future is firm.

Reflection Questions

- Am I living as though Christ’s sacrifice was truly sufficient?
- Where am I still trying to earn what has already been secured?
- How can I walk more confidently in the freedom His blood provides?
- Am I looking to Christ’s sacrifice as the source of my victory today?

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for entering the true heavenly sanctuary on my behalf. Thank You that Your sacrifice was once for all and that my redemption is secure forever. Cleanse my conscience from striving and dead works. Help me live confidently in the freedom You purchased for me. Anchor my heart in the finished work of the cross as I continue running the race. Amen.