Jesus tells us in Mark 4:19 that the cares of this world choke the word and make it unfruitful! We certainly don’t want that!

And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. – Mar 4:19 KJV

Cares: merimna (G3308) — care, anxiety, to be drawn in different directions

Blue Letter Bible

What Are the Cares of This World?

The cares of this world are not bad things until they distract us and cause anxiety. Jesus is recorded in Matthew 6:8, explaining that our Father knows what we need before we ask. So should we ask? YES! Absolutely. But, we walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Peter explains that we cast our cares unto the Lord (1 Peter 5:7). Why? Because God cares for us! Wow! That’s awesome! We are not commanded to have no cares. But we are exhorted to trust God to meet all of our needs freeing us up to focus on His kingdom!

Jesus explains in Mark 11:24 that we are to pray. He urges us to believe when we pray that we have already received. I like to say, “Fix it and forget about it.” Right! When we know God and His goodness and all of His promises, we can pray confidently.

We can know without doubt that God’s will for us is always good (James 1:5-8). How? Faith comes by hearing His word (Romans 10:17).

You Need the Cares of This World!

Jesus explains that our Father already knows that we have need of all of these things. He wants us to ask Him and then move on to kingdom things. We can only do this if we know and trust Him (John 17:3).

(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. – Mat 6:32 KJV
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. – Mat 6:33 KJV
Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof. – Mat 6:34 KJV

What are the Cares of This World?

The three most popular self-help products are about health, wealth, and relationships. 3 John 1:2 tells us that God calls each of us “beloved” and wants above all things for us to prosper and be in health even as our souls prosper.

No, this is John talking to Gaius (3 John 1:1)! Well, remember that John is writing under the inspiration of Jesus’ Holy Spirit aka God. And God is no respecter of persons (Romans 2:11). Hallelujah! Jesus has leveled the playing field for whosoever will believe (John 6:29).