4 Ways to Eliminate FOMO

Have you ever had your feelings hurt because you got left out of a social event with your friends? This is a classic case of FOMO: the fear of missing out. It probably has happened to all of us at some point. Because of social media and constant connection, FOMO is becoming a major cultural reality. Guess what? You can actually live free of FOMO! FOMO is a state of fear, worry, or anxiety about whether or not we’re getting all we can or should be getting out of life – and it is no laughing matter! The root of FOMO is a strong desire and need to be accepted. Every person has an innate desire to have a group they belong to because God created us to depend on one another. Today, social media encourages us to share our lives, which leads us to project a “brand image” of ourselves to the world. Most of us tend to oversell our brand representation. We try to fit it and market ourselves to others so that they will like that they see. We always want to be what we are told to be, putting unwanted pressures on our lives. This leads to more anxiety and fear, isolating us to what we really need most, true connection. This cycle is exhausting. We have to choose to live a life based on faith rather than fear. In Timothy, Paul tells us to do what God has created us to do and rely on the Holy Spirit, rather than fear. We have to let go of looking to others for validation and instead, look to God. Ultimately, it is our choice to live in fear or faith. We are free to fully trust God for our future and simply live in the peace of the present. 2 Timothy 1: 6-7 – “I’m writing to encourage you to fan into a flame and rekindle the fire of the spiritual gift God imparted to you when I laid my hands upon you. For God will never give you the spirit of fear, but the Holy Spirit who gives you mighty power, love, and self-control.” 4 Steps to Eliminate Fear: 1. Daily ask God to give you his will and direction for your life. 2. Don’t be afraid to say “NO.” 3. Choose to live in the moment. 4. Don’t spend your life watching for someone else’s next move. 2 Timothy 1: 7 – “For God will never give you the spirit of fear, but the Holy Spirit who gives you mighty power, love, and self-control.”