The Answer to Anxiety Book Study – 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 THREE — Five Keys to Overcoming Anxiety, Part 2

“The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety.”
— George Müller

INTRODUCTION

In Chapter Three, Joyce Meyer continues her teaching on the five keys to overcoming anxiety. In this chapter, we focus on the final three spiritual keys—keys that help equip us to face worry, stress, and uncertainty with greater faith and confidence in God.

These keys remind us that anxiety loses its grip when we truly believe who God is and how deeply He loves us.

KEY #3: Believe That God Is in Control

“I will not fail you or abandon you.”
— Joshua 1:5b (NLT)

When we accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior, God placed His Holy Spirit within us—to strengthen, guide, and help us at all times. He is always with us, wherever we go, and we can communicate with Him through prayer. Prayer is simply talking with God, and Joyce will expand on this more in later chapters.

Believing that God is in control means trusting that He sees what we cannot see and knows what we do not know.

“God is never without an answer to your problems.”
— Joyce Meyer

Scripture reminds us again and again:

- Jesus is the way (John 14:6)
- God makes a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert (Isaiah 43:19)
- With God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26)

KEY #4: Trust God

“When I am afraid, I will trust in You.”
— Psalm 56:3

Joyce teaches that trust produces rest, peace, hope, and a positive attitude. Trust demonstrates that we truly believe God is in control—even when circumstances feel uncertain.

“Anxiety is a method by which we try to figure out what only God knows. If we trust Him, He will give us answers at the right time… Many times, God’s answer is something we could not have even imagined.”
— Joyce Meyer

Trust releases the burden of needing to know everything now.

KEY #5: Choose to Believe How Much God Loves You

“Where God’s love is, there is no fear, because God’s perfect love drives out fear.” — 1 John 4:18a (NCV)

Joyce reminds us that anxiety and worry are often rooted in the fear that something bad will happen—or that we won’t be taken care of. When we believe God is in control and choose to trust Him, yet still struggle with fear, we must grow in our understanding of His love.

That growth may take time because of our human imperfections—but God’s love is not limited by them.

“It is because of your imperfections that God sent Jesus to die for you and take the punishment you deserve.”
— Joyce Meyer

CALL TO ACTION

Take time this week to meditate on Joyce’s Five Keys to Overcoming Anxiety. Prayerfully sit with each one, asking God to strengthen you where you feel weak.

- Remember past victories
- Fight the good fight of faith
- Believe that God is in control
- Trust God
- Choose to believe how much God loves you

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord, thank You for giving me these five keys to help overcome anxiety. I trust that You will provide the strength and grace I need to walk in true faith and deeper trust in You. Amen.

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: