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 NINE — The Peace That Passes Understanding

“All men desire peace, but very few desire those things that make for peace.”
— Thomas à Kempis

INTRODUCTION

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything… Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.”
— Philippians 4:6–7

In Chapter Nine, Joyce Meyer teaches us how to live in the peace God provides through the Holy Spirit. She helps us understand what peace truly is, what steals our peace, and how we can overcome anxiety and worry in order to walk in the peace Jesus promised us.

God’s peace is not fragile or circumstantial—it is steady, protective, and available to us at all times.

“God gives us peace that passes understanding in the midst of life’s storms.”
— Joyce Meyer

PEACE IS OUR INHERITANCE

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give.”
— John 14:27

Peace is not something we have to earn or create—it is a gift Jesus has already given us. Dwight L. Moody said it well:

“A great many people are trying to make peace, but that has already been done… all we have to do is enter into it.”

Too often, we lose our peace in difficult situations and then try to find it again. Joyce reminds us that instead of reacting with agitation, we must choose to enter the peace Jesus has already provided. Jesus doesn’t suggest peace—He commands us not to be troubled. And because He commands it, He also empowers us to live it.

We don’t have to allow unpleasant situations to steal what God has given us.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

“Your thoughts determine your measure of peace.”
— Joyce Meyer

“You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”
— Isaiah 26:3

Peace is closely connected to our thinking. When we choose to keep our minds focused on God—rather than on fear or circumstances—we position ourselves to receive His peace. God invites us to choose His way of living; a life rooted in trust and calm confidence in Him.

CALL TO ACTION

Today, notice what steals your peace. When anxious thoughts arise, pause and redirect your focus back to God. Ask Him to help you enter the peace He has already given you and to guard your heart and mind throughout the day.

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord, thank You for the gift of peace You have given me through Jesus. Help me guard my thoughts and trust You in every situation. Teach me to walk in Your peace and not allow worry to steal what You have freely given. 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 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.