FOMO (the “fear of missing out”) is a real thing, and it’s more intense than ever. We’re afraid we’ll miss out on all the cool stuff. We’ll miss out on doing something significant with our lives. But God has a purpose for every one of us – a unique pathway to walk. And he also sets the pace for us to walk that pathway.
Psalm 23:1-6 NRSV
[1] The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. [2] He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; [3] he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. [4] Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff- they comfort me. [5] You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. [6] Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD my whole life long.
Our problem: FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out)
- We’re afraid we’ll miss God’s will. We’ll miss our moment. We’ll never get to a place of meaning and significance.
- So we strive and work and hustle and grind and hope it makes a difference.
The Truth: When you follow the voice of the Shepherd, he leads you in his pathway for your life.
Missing out on God’s purposes isn’t our real problem at all. All we need to do is stay close to the Shepherd and follow his leadership.
Our bigger problem is that, in trying to find our meaning, our purpose, our pathway, we wind up living in such a hurried pace that we burn out.’ve gotta do all the things…
- I’ve gotta impress all the people…
- I’ve gotta keep up with the neighbors…
- I’ve gotta satisfy everybody’s expectations…
The Other Truth: God not only leads you to the right pathway, he leads you at the right pace.
Matthew 11:28-30 MSG
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.
God doesn’t call you to get everything done.
He simply calls you to walk with him and follow his voice.