11 Jan Fear of Missing Out

“Oh, she’s such a teacher’s pet.” “I’ve been working here for 2 years but I don’t get the credit I deserve.” “They went for the trek but didn’t invite me.” “I’m always everyone’s last choice.” If these are the kind of thoughts lurking around in your head then you and I have this in common: we suffer from FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). As a concept, it’s been around for a while and we trick ourselves into believing that we don’t have this silly fear but it’s a reality for many people. We desire attention, recognition, fellowship, and love and it’s because we were not created to live alone.

The fear of missing out is that feeling of anxiety or worry that others are seemingly having more rewarding/fun experiences without you. Here is some more information about FOMO:

FOMO is experienced by 69% of millennials.
Travel (59%), parties and events (56%), and food (29%) are the biggest things that create FOMO among millennials.
FOMO is experienced by 56% of social media users.

People often experience FOMO when they hear other people talk about the time they spent together or the inside joke we don’t get or when getting sidetracked in a group conversation. Also, when they see other social media users’ highlights in various forms (posts, stories, reels, etc.). They have a feeling of anxiety when they come to know that others are having rewarding experiences without them. Browsing social media sets up a person to experience FOMO even though social media isn’t the only reason causing FOMO.

In the Bible, the serpent manipulated Eve with a seemingly legitimate question: “Did God really say ‘Do not eat of this tree?” Eve dwelt on the fact that the fruit looked delicious and was likely to benefit her by gaining wisdom. She and Adam, in turn, wanted it badly. Once they entertained doubt and FOMO, it led to temptation, and they took matters into their own hands. The devil can use FOMO to lead us to sin, to disobey our heavenly Father.

Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:25-33, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all”.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Paul tells us in Romans 8:28 – “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Paul also argues that the physical circumstances in which we live are beside the point. Christ strengthens Paul to live selflessly no matter what. “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:11b-13).

All other passions need to fall into line with the Christian’s primary purpose of “glorifying God and enjoying Him forever.”God wants good things for us “there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil – this is the gift of God.” (Ecclesiastes 3:12, 13)

Some ways we can deal with our FOMO is:

Don’t let your emotions take you away from reality. When you are feeling left out or like you’re missing out on something amazing, ask yourself some version of the following questions:

• Do I really want to be there instead of here?
• Is that what’s really important right now?
• Am I feeling jealous of someone else’s fun or success? Is that really my lane to run in?
• How can I stay focused ahead in my own lane?
• What do I want that I don’t have right now?

Most of the time if we go through the process of asking ourselves the tough questions, even when we are upset and emotional, the answers bring freedom.

Switch to JOMO:

Joy of Missing Out allows you to let go of your thoughts of other people’s lives, and focus on what you’re doing and why you’re happy where you are. And while we have all likely experienced FOMO, we have also likely experienced the joy and relief of canceling plans we never actually wanted to attend. Instead of being disappointed in what you missed out on, try enjoying and living in the moment. Don’t miss out on the people and the opportunities in front of you. Do things you enjoy or things that you need to do but have been putting it off for a long time.

Jesus is fun:
Jesus knows you inside-out. He knows what lies ahead of you. He knows what’s best for you. Talk to him, and share your thoughts, insecurities, strengths, weaknesses, and desires. He wants to converse with you with no walls. You are never alone if you know Him. 1 Peter 5:7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Let your fear of missing out drive you to God today. Let your FOMO teach you to pursue purity so you can see more of God. Let your FOMO prompt you to repent fearlessly, refusing to wait for another second to see your Father sprint toward you. Let your FOMO drive you to make radical decisions because you would hate to miss out on a single drop of grace.

“Because He lives
I can face tomorrow
Because He lives
All fear is gone
Because I know
He holds the future
And life is worth the living
Just because He lives”
You can truly enjoy life when you know He lives, and your tomorrow is in His hands.

This article is missed in the FOMO edition by mistake, its edited and can be published with the relevant themes, probably in coping with fear and anxiety issue

Yohaan Varghese is a graduate in Multimedia and Mass Communication and is currently pursuing his PG Diploma in Integrated Multimedia Journalism at Chennai.