The Spiritual Fear Of Missing Out: Part One
Fears, we all have them. Some of them can become SO great that they keep us held back from achieving the things that we want in life. So naturally, fears can creep into our Spiritual lives as well. Do we ever stop and actually think about any Spiritual fears that might be holding us back? For the next 4 weeks we will be looking at four of the most common fears that can hold us back from growing in our relationships with God. If you find yourself struggling with your Spiritual walk with God, then it might be time to ask if it could be because a Spiritual fear is holding you back.
Fear Of Missing Out:
Bible Verse: Matthew 6:33 “But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.”
We all get caught up in the busyness of life. Sometimes we even get caught up with always looking forward to the next new “thing.” We might find ourselves wondering if we are missing out on all of the things that our non-Christian friends and co-workers are doing. When we let this fear of wondering if we are “missing out” set in, then we usually start to give in to that fear. Once we start to wonder, then it will lead to more and more curiosity about what else we are missing out on. This is one of the types of fears that can draw us away from having a close relationship with God. When we are always wondering about “what’s next” or if we are “missing out",” then we are wasting our time. Any time we spend wondering about the world, means we are slightly letting the devil have an upper hand over us. The fear of wondering about what we are missing out on, is one of the devils sneakiest tricks. That fear of wondering can turn into an obsession of curiosity. Then that obsession of curiosity can lead to following through with going along with the world and either way the devil has won because we have given him some of precious time with God. When we choose both God and the world, then we are left as half in the world, and half in God’s Family, and those two cannot mix. We have to pick, it’s one or the other.
Ideas For The Spiritual Fear Of Missing Out:
Make a List of the things that you are feeling like you are missing out on. Can you replace any of them with a Spiritual purpose? (Example: replace popular music that leaves you wondering about the world, with God centered music which brings your mind back to Him)
Find new hobbies or interests. Sometimes there are some hobbies and interests that just can’t be replaced. Or ones that need to be replaces because they take us too far from God, so it might be time to find new things you like. Preferably God centered ones.
Make friends with a fellow believer. Even if there is no one your age at the congregation where you worship, make friends with the other generations. We don’t have to only have friends in our same age group. Make Spiritual friends, and spend time with them.
Start a daily gratitude journal. Keeping track on the good things will help you not feel like you are missing out.
Stay busy with Church work. When we feel like we are missing out in the world, then that means we aren’t busy enough for God. Sign up for as many activities as possible. Ask you preacher, elders or leaders if they need help with any of the busy tasks. Keep your brain focused on God!
Spend time in God’s Word when you are feeling like you are missing out on something.
Pray and tell God how you feel like you are left out and missing out. Ask Him to help you through the situation.
Reward yourself for when you do resist the world trying to draw you in.
Get a new Bible and Bible marking supplies that you can be excited about. There is nothing better than replacing a feeling of loss with one of excitement.
Find a Spiritual mentor or someone that you can open up to, and text or call during those hard moments.
When you feel lonely, try calling up one of the older members at your church. You are not alone in that feeling, and even if its out of your comfort zone, just one call to a fellow believer will turn that lonely feeling into being proud of yourself for stepping outside of your comfort zone.
Forgive yourself for when you do let the fear of missing out overwhelm you. We were never meant to be perfect, but we aren’t meant to keep trying. God will always forgive when our hearts are right. When we mess up, its time for a reset of your actions, and taking up your cross and to try again!
Conclusion:
Don’t let the fear of missing out on things in the world draw you away from God. Part of living on this path headed towards Heaven is all about learning to let go of the old, and finding peace in the new. There is nothing that can’t be overcome through God. He is waiting to have a relationship with us, if only we can let go of the world, and turn towards Him. One of the greatest fears that we can have is The Spiritual Fear Of Missing Out, but the true thing that we can miss out on is Heaven. Don’t miss out on that! The world is temporary, Heaven is forever!
About the Author: My name is Katie, and I’m a Church of Christ Preacher’s wife in Kentucky. I am also a proud homeschool mom to two brilliant boys. I love to craft, and make and bind my own notebooks. I also make a weekly podcast show called “Just Bible No Fluff",” where I skip all of fluffy extras and hop right into a short yet impactful exegetical study of the scripture. My mission and vision in life is this: “To empower women Spiritually by enhancing their skills in deep Bible study, equipping them to effectively teach the Gospel to others, and guiding them in cultivating Spiritual growth beyond the Church building.”