BOOK STUDY || The Answer to Anxiety by Joyce Meyer || Ch 2

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 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


CALL TO ACTION

This week, choose one past victory to remember and thank God for it. Then, begin declaring one promise from Scripture out loud each day. Watch how your faith begins to rise and anxiety begins to loosen its grip.


CLOSING PRAYER

Lord, thank You for reminding me of Your faithfulness in my life. Help me remember past victories and trust You fully in the present. Strengthen my faith as I choose to fight the good fight and renew my mind with Your truth. Amen.

 

THE TWELVE LAWS OF LIFE RECOVERY | Restitution

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR TOPICS FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH. EACH TOPIC IS A 12-MONTH STUDY ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF THE MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS WE REVIEW INSPIRATIONAL CHRISTIAN MEDIA.

On the third Friday of each month in 2022 we’re focusing our life recovery work on The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery: God’s Wisdom and Guidance for Your Journey with Stephen Arterburn and David Stoop. This powerful study will take our life of recovery to a level of freedom most of us haven’t yet experienced.

THE TWELVE LAWS OF LIFE RECOVERY 

Each month we’re looking at a requirement that guides us to a specific result which will ultimately fill our lives with love, gratitude and the serenity we desire.

 

THE LAW OF RESTITUTION

REQUIREMENT: RESTITUTION
RESULT: CLOSURE

 

They must confess their sin and make full restitution for what they have done, adding an additional 20 percent and returning it to the person who was wronged. ~ Numbers 5:7

Step 9: We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

As recovering addicts working the 12 Steps, we all at one time will need to make our amends. The law of restitution is similar to making amends but it takes it a little bit further. Rather than trying to amend a broken relationship when we make restitution we are working to resolve what may have been lost or destroyed by our behavior: financial mistakes, physical injuries, sexual sins, etc.

So if you are about to offer your gift to God at the altar and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar, go at once and make peace with your brother, and then come back and offer your gift to God.~ Matthew 5:23-24

“We cannot sincerely worship God with our words and sacrifices until we have made things right with other people.” ~ The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery

It’s important that we make every effort possible, if possible to restore healing to the relationships that we can. Prayerfully, go to God for direction on who He wants you to make restitution with. Take time to write a letter if necessary or even see them in person. Ask them what it would take from you for them to feel like you have really restored the relationship.

Remember, we are not called to be in relationship with everyone we have hurt in the past. Some people we must make restitution through our Father from a distance.

Be blessed with this beautiful song by Casting Crowns.