Joyce Meyer – 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.

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:

- 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:

- 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.