Have You Ever Heard of F.O.M.O.? (Day 3 of our challenge against seasonal depression) - EncouragementMama.com

*Please note that I am not a licensed physician or medical professional of any kind. All advice, tips, and resources on this blog are given purely from personal testimony, Biblical wisdom, and encouragement. If at any time, you feel hopeless or in despair, please do not hesitate to call your physician, seek medical help, or call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. (Find out more HERE.)

Are you fearful of missing out?

Hi ladies, welcome to day 3 of our challenge!

Today is all about the fear of missing out, or in modern terms, F.O.M.O.

In the video, I shared the difference between a healthy fear of missing out–on the things of God–and an unhealthy fear of missing out–on things of the world. When we are afraid of missing out on man-made events, promotions, or invitations, we may miss out on a divine invitation from God. But through His word, prayer, and worship, we never miss out on the beautiful things He wants to share with us each and every day.

Let’s start with a reminder about the power of God’s word in our lives:

The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

With that verse sinking deep into your heart, let me ask you a few important questions regarding the fear of missing out.

Is your mind often consumed with what others are doing or achieving?

Do you have an intense longing to be included in certain groups or events?

Has time in God’s word become part of your to-do list instead of a “get-to” gift?

Is it easy for you to feel rejected when you hear about others participating in something without you?

These are serious questions that require serious answers. And I only ask these things because I’ve let F.O.M.O. steer me in the wrong direction more times than I’d like to admit.

I know that only when I remain in step with the Holy Spirit I am completely at peace.

If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:25

Action for Day 3:

Today, we are going to take a journey–a visual journey–that will help us see the BIG PICTURE of our walk with God. This exercise doesn’t have to take up a lot of your time, but feel free to spend as long as you want mapping out your spiritual journey.

Step 1:

Take 3-4 sheets of paper. Grab a pencil and some tape. Tape each sheet of paper end-to-end to make a long extension of paper across the table. (see my image below)

Step 2:

At the far left side of the first sheet, draw a star as the starting point of your walk with God. Label it with the date in which you accepted Christ. At the far right, draw another star and label it as “now.”

Step 3:

Beginning at the first star on the left, slowly draw a line across the pages, remembering your spiritual journey as you go. When you recall the valleys, or hard times, allow the pencil to dip down as you continue your timeline. When you remember mountaintop experiences, or times of strength, allow the pencil to peak upward.

When you reach the end of your timeline, across all the pages, it may look something like this:

In my example above, my spiritual journey started in 1988 when I came to know the Lord my senior year of High School. I was on fire for Him! (Therefore, there is a big peak at the beginning of my journey.) Then, I went through an intense time of backsliding…down, down, down. Eventually, through a desperate time of surrender, God introduced me to my husband and my journey was set on a straighter, healthier path. On and on my journey continues to this day. 

What does your spiritual journey look like? 

At any point, did you really miss out on the divine blessings, direction, and provision from God?

My prayer is that you will be able to view your spiritual timeline, from the very beginning until now, and realize that you didn’t miss out at all. God continued to lead you from strength to strength.

Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion. Psalm 84:5-7

They go from strength to strength…

Isn’t that beautiful? How is God leading you from strength to strength?

Grateful to be on this journey with you! See you tomorrow for day 4 of our challenge.

Always an email away,

Jennifer