How do you deal with a fear of missing out?
Question:
Dear sir,
I trust this email finds you well.
I'm writing to seek more knowledge. Are there biblical passages that speak of the fear of missing out? As humans and most especially Gen Z, we often bow to peer pressure and the fear of missing out on godly things. Is there any biblical passage or reference that speaks to these facts?
Thanks.
Answer:
At the root of this fear is envy. You are not content with life as it comes. You believe that you must experience more to be truly happy. "Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am" (Philippians 4:11).
Envy is desiring what belongs to another. It is one of the reasons people are pulled into sin. They see the apparent happiness and prosperity of sinners and want to experience the same. "Do not let your heart envy sinners, but live in the fear of the LORD always" (Proverbs 23:17). However, we can also envy those the Lord has blessed. This is a part of the reason Cain slew his brother. God had accepted Abel's sacrifices. Instead of improving his own, Cain decided to kill the one who did better than he. Esau became bitter over his brother because Jacob received the blessing, even though this was foretold before their births. We must realize that just because someone else has received a blessing, my life isn't less.
I must also accept that my life is short (James 4:14). I won't be able to experience many things because there just isn't enough time. I make choices regarding what I would like to do, but those same choices mean I must eliminate other things. Regardless, I learned to enjoy what I have. Even if I die tomorrow, I want to say I had a blessed life because that is the truth. I'm sure there will be more to experience as my life on earth continues, but I don't need more to say that I've enjoyed the life God has given me.
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).
