“Don't be afraid of missing out. You’re my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself.” Luke 12:32 (MSG)
When other people share stories of their trips with me, I always enjoy hearing about their experiences. But when they’ve traveled to places I’d like to go but haven’t had the opportunity to visit, I feel like I’m missing out. I’m genuinely happy for them. Yet, I still struggle with a feeling that’s so common that it has a popular abbreviation: FOMO (fear of missing out).
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel like we’re constantly missing out on something. Whether it’s a career opportunity, a social event, a trip, or something else desirable that others are experiencing but we aren’t, FOMO can creep into our hearts and minds. All it takes is seeing a social media post or hearing about something in a conversation to learn that someone else is doing what we would like to do ourselves, but can’t do right now. Then FOMO washes over us. But Jesus calls us to a different perspective.
In Luke 12:32 (MSG), Jesus encourages us: “Don’t be afraid of missing out. You’re my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself.” This verse is a powerful reminder that God’s love and provision for us are far beyond anything the world could offer. When we focus on the truth that God is our provider and that he wants to bless us abundantly, we can let go of FOMO. God not only knows our needs but is eager to bless us in ways that are far greater than anything we could ever miss out on. When we trust God, we can be confident that we’re not missing out on anything that is truly important.
FOMO often arises from the belief that our lives are incomplete unless we get to enjoy certain experiences. It’s the whisper that tells us: “If only you could do this thing you want, then you would be fulfilled.” However, our fulfillment isn’t tied to external circumstances. Our true satisfaction comes from our relationship with God.
When we allow FOMO to overtake us, we become preoccupied with chasing after what others have or what we think we need. This can lead to comparison, envy, and a constant sense of striving. But Jesus invites us to rest in the knowledge that our Heavenly Father is aware of our needs and desires and that he is more than capable of providing what’s really best for us.
The promise in Luke 12:32 reveals God’s heart for his children. Jesus reassures us that we are God’s “dearest friends,” and as such, God wants to give us the very kingdom itself. This is not a promise of material wealth or worldly success, but something far greater – an inheritance that is eternal and unshakeable. The “kingdom” represents all the blessings of being in a relationship with God. Jesus tells us in the Bible verse just before this one, Luke 12:31 (MSG): “Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well."
When we prioritize our relationships with God and seek his kingdom first, everything else falls into place. God knows the desires of our hearts, and as we seek him, he will fulfill those desires in ways that are far greater than we could have imagined. When we focus on God and trust him to provide for us, we can be confident that we won’t ever miss out on what matters most.
So, instead of focusing on what we think we’re missing, we can choose to focus on what God has already given us and what he has promised to give us in the future. Gratitude is a powerful antidote to FOMO. When we take time to thank God for his blessings, we become more aware of God’s presence in our lives and less concerned with what others are experiencing. God’s love for us is infinite, and his plans for us are good. He wants to bless us with the richness of his kingdom. We can trust in God’s generous provision and rest in the assurance that we are God’s dear friends. That frees us to let go of FOMO.
Let’s pray:
Dear God, thank you for reminding me that I have nothing to fear when I trust in you. I confess that I sometimes let the fear of missing out distract me, but today I choose to rest in your abundant love and provision. Help me to find contentment in you, to trust your timing, and to be grateful for all you’ve given me. When I’m tempted to compare myself to others, remind me of the inheritance I have as your beloved child. Guide me to follow your will and the confidence that you are always working for my good. Thank you for calling me your friend and for promising me the kingdom itself. I trust in your unfailing love. Amen.
Photo Credit: ©tommaso79
Whitney Hopler helps people discover God's wonder and experience awe. She is the author of several books, including the nonfiction books Wake Up to Wonder and Wonder Through the Year: A Daily Devotional for Every Year, and the young adult novel Dream Factory. Whitney has served as an editor at leading media organizations, including Crosswalk.com, The Salvation Army USA’s national publications, and Dotdash.com (where she produced a popular channel on angels and miracles). She currently leads the communications work at George Mason University’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being. Connect with Whitney on her website at www.whitneyhopler.com, on Facebook, and on X/Twitter.
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