Have you ever felt like you’re missing out on some tremendous experience that others are having? If your answer is yes, then you have experienced FOMO. FOMO is an acronym for Fear Of Missing Out. Miriam Webster dictionary defines FOMO as, “the fear of not being included in something.” Social and Digital media have made FOMO more pronounced in our lives today. FOMO causes us to think less of our lives and achievements. However, the truth remains that FOMO is a killjoy!
So how do we deal with this kill-joy? Here are six (6) practical ways to do so:
1. Knowledge
In order to fight a battle and win, one needs to be armed with adequate knowledge. The Bible tells us that as believers, we will pass through tribulations. There is no avoiding it, we are going to face it, but the good news is, we will overcome them. “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33 NIV.
Therefore, as Christians living in today’s world, we are not exempted from this feeling of FOMO. FOMO can not only kill your joy, it also affects your discernment, distracts you from your assignment, and ultimately causes you to sin. (Luke 12:15, 1Samuel 13). Having the knowledge that you can overcome anything that comes your way is the first stage to overcoming FOMO.
2. Shut down triggers
You have to consciously fish out your FOMO triggers and intentionally shut them down. Proverbs 29:18 tells us that, “Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.” It could be your friends, associations, or social media. If you have to take occasional breaks from Social media, do it! Always be honest enough with yourself so you can shield yourself from harmful triggers.
3. Preach to yourself
The word of God is powerful. You need to learn to listen to God’s word, instruct your heart and speak His word to your hearing. Remind yourself of all God has spoken about you and everything He said He will do through you. That is how you stir up joy from your inside. (1 Timothy 6:17, Ephesians 1:3, Romans 8:32, Psalms 34:10)
4. Prioritize contentment
For Godliness with contentment is great gain. You should train yourself to put money and every earthly thing in its place. Your life is not measured by what you have or do not have. (1 Timothy 6:6). Let us take a look at what Hebrews 13: 5 says: ” Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Meditate on the scripture above and become more content with what you have and where you are.
5. Prayer
The Bible gives us the perfect recipe for dealing with FOMO, and that recipe is to pray instead of worry. Many of your battles can be won in prayer, and FOMO is not an exception. See what 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, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
6. Praise
Be grateful! One thing to do is remember God’s faithfulness in previous situations and acknowledge Him for that. This is why it’s important to document so you can assure yourself that the God who did it before is more than capable of doing it again. Just like Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. “Praise and thank God for never failing you.(Psalms 23:1-6).
Finally, when you are scared of missing out, it is often a sign that you’re not participating in real life. The advancement of others does not mean you are not making progress. It just means it’s not your time yet. As individuals are different, so are their times and seasons. So the next time you’re dealing with FOMO, apply these six steps and watch it fade away!
Listen to the full sermon on dealing with FOMO here.
Read Also: How to Deal with Anxiety
