Spiritual Growth – Page 3 – REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES

CHAPTER TWO — Five Keys to Overcoming Anxiety, Part 1

Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows but only empties today of its strength. ~ Charles Spurgeon

INTRODUCTION
In Chapter Two, Joyce Meyer reminds us that the world offers many ways to deal with anxiety—relaxation techniques, vacations, and even medication. While some of these may be helpful at times, Joyce wants to share something deeper and more lasting. She introduces five spiritual keys that helped her overcome her own anxiety.

In this chapter, she focuses on the first two keys—both rooted in faith, Scripture, and intentional thinking. Let’s dig in.

KEY #1: Remember Past Victories

“But then I recall all you have done, O Lord;
I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago.”
— Psalm 77:11 (NLT)

One powerful way to combat anxiety is by remembering what God has already done. When we recall past victories, we shift our focus from fear to faith. We begin to see God’s faithfulness, His provision, and His glory revealed in our own lives.

Remembering past victories reminds us that the same God who carried us through before is still with us today. Romans 12:2 teaches us that transformation happens as our minds are renewed—and that renewal takes place as we walk by faith, one small step at a time.

True transformation doesn’t happen overnight. It happens incrementally, as we read, study, and apply God’s Word.

“As we learn to think as God thinks, we will eventually do what He wants us to do.” — Joyce Meyer

KEY #2: Fight the Good Fight of Faith

“Fight the good fight of the faith;
take hold of eternal life
that you were called to…”
— 1 Timothy 6:12 (HCSB)

Walking by faith often requires intentional effort. There are times when peace doesn’t come automatically—we must actively choose it. Joyce reminds us that faith grows stronger when it is exercised.

Fighting the good fight of faith may require us to:

Stand firm and trust God during difficult seasons
Be diligent in studying God’s Word
Recall past victories instead of rehearsing fears
Talk to ourselves rather than listen to anxious thoughts
Develop the habit of declaring God’s promises out loud

Faith is not passive. It is active, engaged, and practiced daily.

“The more God requires you to use your faith, the stronger it becomes.” — Joyce Meyer

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.

Unbelief is rarely planned.

More often, it grows quietly — through circumstances, disappointments, unanswered prayers, or prolonged seasons of difficulty. Left unguarded, these moments can slowly set us up for unbelief.

That’s why Scripture urges us to guard our hearts with diligence.

The Risk of Unbelief

“So, brothers and sisters, be careful that none of you has an evil, unbelieving heart that will turn you away from the living God. But encourage each other every day, while it is called ‘today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.”
Hebrews 3:12–14

In Hebrews 3, the author offers a clear and loving warning. Just a few verses earlier, he reminds his readers of the Israelites — a people who witnessed God’s mighty power firsthand, yet still refused to trust Him. Because of their unbelief, they failed to enter the Promised Land God had graciously prepared for them.

Seeing miracles is not the same as walking in faith.

A Warning for Us Today

We, too, can be in danger of missing the fullness of what God desires to give us. When our hearts become hardened by the deceitfulness of sin, unbelief can quietly take root.

Over time, this hardness can distance us from God — not because He stops loving us, but because He honors our choice to resist Him. When we continually refuse His gentle conviction, we risk settling into patterns that pull us away from faith and trust.

This warning is not meant to frighten us — but to awaken us.

Grace for Hardened Hearts

There was a season in my life when I allowed my heart to grow hard toward God. I turned away and lived in sin for many years.

But God, in His grace and mercy, met me in my darkest place. He did not abandon me there. Instead, He gently drew my heart back to Him.

This is why Hebrews 3 speaks so deeply to me. It warns us honestly — but it also reminds us that no heart is beyond God’s reach when we turn back to Him.

RHW Victory Lens

Unbelief is resisted through close fellowship with Bible-believing Christians.

Victory grows when we remain alert to any hardness trying to take root in our hearts.

God never intended us to run this race alone.
Seek out a trusted friend, pastor, or mentor who can encourage you with godly love, truth, and care.

Reflection Questions

- Are there any areas where I may be at risk of being led by unbelief?
- Has my heart become hardened in any way?
- Who has God placed in my life to encourage me in faith?

Closing Prayer

Lord, thank You for giving me the Holy Spirit, who lovingly guides me when my heart begins to wander. Help me remain tender toward You and alert to anything that could lead me toward unbelief. Place godly people around me who will encourage my faith and help guard my heart, so that I may run my race with endurance and finish well. Amen.