There is a condition that can attach itself to our lives called Fomo or “the fear of missing out. It’s the modern-day terminology for an age-old problem of thinking that “the grass is always greener on the other side and that other people’s lives, abilities, and blessings are greater than our own.
Fomo shows up at inopportune moments such as:
1. When you are with friends or loved ones and you must check your phone to see what other people are posting because you don’t want to miss anything.
2. You can’t commit to an invitation, relationship, or event because you might get a better offer.
3. You start to feel depressed or alternatively puffed up with pride as you compare your life with others, rather than just “running your own race” well. You are caught in the “comparison trap”.
4. You miss important parts of conversations, little things your kids or people close to you say and do, and the wonder of experiencing what’s right in front of you because you’ve stopped living in the moment and being thankful.
The fear of missing out can easily cause you to take your eyes off your dreams, aspirations, and the unique plan God has for your life because you’ve become focused on everything and everyone else.
But Fomo does not have to steal from your life. Here are some things you can choose to do instead:
1. Discipline yourself to live in the moment. Put the phone down, turn off the technology and look at the people you are with, and choose to be grateful for what you have now.
2. Refuse to fall into the comparison trap – instead, allow other people’s stories and accounts of their lives to be a positive influence. Let them inspire you to explore and adventure out of your comfort zone because if they can do it, you can too.
3. Eliminate fear by focusing on your faith journey and a renewed focus to “get out there” and live your life to the absolute fullest, rather than merely sitting back and watching everyone else live theirs.
4. Seek God as to where you can make a positive difference in someone’s else life today and thank Him for your life and choose to be grateful for the inspiration and abilities of those around you. But rather than comparing yourself, take their inspiration and any helpful tips and ideas and determine to live your own unique life to the fullest. (Colossians 3:16; John 10:10)
God says that “you have become his poetry, a recreated person that will fulfil the destiny he has given you, for you are joined to Jesus, the Anointed One. Even before you were born, God planned in advance your destiny and the good works you would do to fulfil it.” (Ephesians 2:10 TPT)
Don’t be a victim of the fear of missing out! But rather trust God to guide and direct your steps into all that He has planned for you. “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)
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16)
“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 to not fall into the trap of comparisons but that I would be inspired by others. Help me every day stay motivated and continue to focus on the abundant life and unique destiny you have for me. In Jesus name Amen
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