FOMO ALERT!

In case you weren’t aware, the acronym FOMO stands for Fear Of Missing Out. I have to be honest, I struggle with FOMO. The problem is that there are so many streams of information coming at me from so many directions it makes me dizzy sometimes. To complicate things, I’m not sure if the information I’m getting is correct in the first place. There has never been a time like this in history, and I don’t think it’s helping us.

I start every morning with a cup of coffee. I’m pretty sure the Holy Spirit drinks coffee because I can feel his presence when the caffeine kicks in. Then I do my morning devotions. However, as soon as I’m done with my devotions, which consist of reading Scripture and praying, I get fire-hosed by my smartphone. When I check my emails, a torrent of news sources floods my inbox. I also get ministry-related sources telling me how to grow our church, health articles about how to live to be 150, and financial institutions desiring to partner with me so I can get rich.

I’m not sure how it affects you, but I feel overwhelmed, and I certainly don’t have the peace that surpasses understanding that the Scriptures talk about. I tend to overthink things, but I’m pretty sure there is a way to deal with FOMO.

One of the fruits of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:23 is self-control. Self-control requires focus and intentionality. Could it be that simple?

Imagine what might happen if we just shut down some of the information sources coming at us. Would it dumb us down, or would it elevate our sense of peace and joy? We don’t need to know everything to be significant or relevant. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, that transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” FOMO will keep us in a perpetual state of distress and anxiousness. Instead of leaning into the constant flow of more information, we can choose to lean into the resources of God that will deliver the very thing our hearts long for: peace, joy, and contentment.

Here are some things we can think about instead of what we are missing out on. Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” I’ve discovered that it takes practice to focus on the list presented by the apostle Paul, but it’s so worth it. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” We can train our minds to ignore the FOMO alerts and enjoy the peace that transcends all understanding.

Stay blessed,

Steve