The Cost of Carrying Care

Philippians 4:6 “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."

What is the weight of worry?

Worry is often called a "silent killer" — not just spiritually, but physically, mentally, and relationally. The Apostle Paul, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, gives us a simple yet profound command: "Be careful for nothing." The word “careful” here carries the idea of being anxious, full of care, or consumed with worry.

In today's fast-paced world, worry has become almost acceptable, even expected. But God warns us against its dangers. When worry dominates the heart, it weakens the body, clouds the mind, drains the soul, and infects every aspect of society.

I. The Physical Toll of Worry

Worry is not harmless. It has measurable effects on the body:

• The American Institute of Stress reports that 77% of people experience physical symptoms caused by stress (worry being one of the primary triggers).

• Chronic worry increases the risk of heart disease by 40%, stroke by 50%, and can shorten one’s lifespan significantly.

• A Harvard Medical School study found that individuals with high anxiety levels are 3 to 5 times more likely to suffer from fatal heart conditions.

• According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), stress-related disorders are the leading cause of disability worldwide.

When we worry, the body releases cortisol and adrenaline — hormones meant for short bursts of danger (the "fight or flight" response). However, constant release due to ongoing worry leads to:

• Hypertension

• Weakened immune system

• Digestive disorders (ulcers, IBS, acid reflux)

• Sleep disorders (insomnia)

• Increased risk of obesity due to cortisol-induced fat storage

It is said that worry is like rocking in a rocking chair — it gives you something to do but gets you nowhere. But unlike a rocking chair, worry wears down the wood every time it rocks.

II. The Mental and Emotional Drain

Worry not only affects the body but severely impacts the mind and emotions:

• The Anxiety and Depression Association of America reports that 18.1% of Americans suffer from anxiety disorders directly tied to worry and fear.

• Studies show chronic worry leads to memory loss, impaired decision-making, and reduced cognitive function.

• Suicide rates have climbed sharply. According to the CDC (Centres for Disease Control), between 2000 and 2020, suicide rates in the U.S. increased by 33%, many linked to anxiety and hopelessness (despair).

A worried mind cannot focus on the promises of God. It replaces faith with fear, hope with hopelessness, and peace with panic. Charles Spurgeon said “Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength.”

III. The Spiritual Consequences of Worry

Worry is essentially a form of unbelief — it questions God's ability to care for us. Jesus said in Matthew 6:27, "Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?"

• Worry robs the believer of peace (Philippians 4:7)

• Worry distracts from prayer (Luke 10:41-42)

• Worry diminishes our testimony (Matthew 6:32-33)

• Worry places man on the throne instead of God

No different than Peter walking on water, the moment he took his eyes off Jesus and looked at the waves (Matthew 14:30), he began to sink. Worry is simply looking at the waves of life rather than at the Saviour who calms the storm.

IV. The Societal Breakdown Caused by Worry

Worry doesn't only affect individuals — it fractures homes, businesses, churches, and nations:

• In Families:

  
  

  Financial stress (often rooted in worry) is one of the leading causes of divorce. According to a study by Ramsey Solutions, money fights are the second leading cause of divorce in America.

• In Business:

  
  

  The American Institute of Stress reports that job stress costs U.S. businesses over $300 billion annually due to absenteeism, turnover, diminished productivity, and healthcare costs.

• In Churches:

  
  

  Worry divides congregations, silences missions, discourages giving, and breeds spiritual apathy. A church consumed with internal anxiety ceases to reach the lost.

• In Society:

  
  

  The Global Organisation for Stress found that 75% of people believe they are more stressed today than previous generations. Crime, substance abuse, and civil unrest often spike as people attempt to medicate their worries through ungodly means.

Vance Havner said, “Worry is like a man in a fog who cannot see where he’s going because he’s too busy staring at the mist.”

V. The Divine Prescription: Prayer, Supplication, Thanksgiving

Paul does not simply say “don’t worry”— he gives God’s remedy:

“But in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

• Prayer: Turning to God in humble submission.

• Supplication: Pouring out our needs honestly and specifically.

• Thanksgiving: Acknowledging God's past faithfulness to fuel our present faith.

The result of this prescription is found in Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Lay It Down

Every believer must make a choice daily: Carry the weight of worry or cast it upon Christ.

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." (1 Peter 5:7)

The world is collapsing under the weight of worry, but the child of God has a mighty refuge. The remedy is not found in more planning, more saving, or more doing — but in more praying, more trusting, and more praising.

Hudson Taylor once noted: “Let us give up our work, our plans, ourselves, our lives, our loved ones, our influence, our all, right into God’s hand — and then, when we have given all over to Him, there will be nothing left for us to be troubled about.”

Say unto the Lord today, “Lord, I lay my burdens at Thy feet. Replace my worry with Thy peace. Help me to trust Thy sovereign hand and remember that Thou art able. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”