There is a condition that can attach itself to our lives if we are not careful called Fomo or “the fear of missing. It’s the modern-day terminology for an age-old problem of thinking that “the grass is always greener on the other side“.
Fomo shows up at inopportune moments such as:
When you are with friends or loved ones and you have to check your phone to see what is happening because you don’t want to miss something.
You can’t commit to an invitation, relationship, or event because you might get a better offer.
You start to feel depressed or get puffed up with pride as you compare your life with others, rather than just “running your own race” well.
You miss important parts of conversations, little things your kids or people close to you say and do, or the wonder of experiencing what’s right in front of you because you have stopped living in the moment.
The fear of missing out can often cause us to take our eyes off our dreams, aspirations, and the wonderful plans God has for us because we’re focusing on what everyone else may or may not be doing.
However, Fomo does not have to steal from our lives. Suppose we discipline ourselves to live in the moment, be in the room, and refuse to fall into the comparison trap. In that case, other people’s stories and accounts of their lives can positively influence us and be what God can use to inspire and motivate us.
We can choose to take the fear out and instead replace it with faith and a renewed focus to “get out there” and live our life to the absolute fullest, rather than merely sitting back and watching everyone else live theirs.
When we remove the “fear of missing out”, then when we see others lives:
We receive inspiration to explore and adventure out of our comfort zone because if others can do it we can too.
We gain encouragement to begin to seek more after God and His plans for our life.
We become more focused on being the best we can be, with our eyes fixed firmly ahead.
Don’t be a victim of the fear of missing out! Take the fear out and choose to trust God to guide and direct your steps into all that He has planned for you. Thank Him for the inspiration of those around you, and also seek Him for where you can best make a positive difference in someone’s else world today.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
“The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” (Psalm 37:23)
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of faith.” (Hebrews 12:1-3)
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the fantastic people around me and the experiences I can have every day. Please help me not fall into the trap of comparisons and fear but instead be inspired by others. Help me every day stay motivated and continue to focus on the abundant life you have for me. In Jesus name Amen
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