We have Patrick McGinnis to thank today.
Who is Mr. McGinnis? Patrick is the person who first coined the word FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) in an article in the Harvard Business Review over twenty years ago. Since then, the word has become popular and widely used to describe a daily temptation that paralyzes us. We have too many options and unprecedented information available to us at any given moment.
While the drivers of our FOMO are a fairly new problem, part of this feeling is a common thread woven throughout human history. Learning about the experience others once had can create a deep longing for a similar feeling.
This longing is at the heart of Stars Go Dim's song, "Prepare the Way." The song begins with a confession - not about failure, but faith-filled longing.
"We've heard the revival stories
Of ancient and old-time glory
Spirit of God, come do it again."
The song expresses a deep desire to see God move in miraculous and undeniable ways. After reading stories from Scripture and hearing stories from elders of what happened decades ago, a new generation arises that longs for God to do something similar in their time and midst.
Throughout Scripture, we find countless examples of a similar desire for revival.
In Psalm 85, the writer prays with a wide knowledge of history.
"Lord, you poured out blessings on your land!
You restored the fortunes of Israel.
You forgave the guilt of your people—
yes, you covered all their sins…
Now restore us again, O God of our salvation.
Put aside your anger against us once more…
Won't you revive us again
so your people can rejoice in you?
Show us your unfailing love, O Lord,
and grant us your salvation."
The people of Israel long for God's revival so that they can experience the love, provision, and protection their ancestors received from God. They're not satisfied to live vicariously through the memories of their parents, grandparents, and ancestors. They desire a personal experience and encounter with God.
But, sometimes, there's more to the story. Think about FOMO, for instance. We often struggle with what we see on someone's social media feed until we remember that the pixels on our screens don't represent the complete picture of someone's life. It's also easy to envy what someone else has achieved while neglecting to remember the journey we don't envy that got them to the destination we long for ourselves.
It's good to long for an experience with God and the revival needed in our hearts. However, there can be real obstacles in the way.
In Isaiah 57, we read about God's desire to revive His people and the work they must do in collaboration with Him.
"Build up, build up, prepare the road!
Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people."
For this is what the high and exalted One says—
he who lives forever, whose name is holy:
"I live in a high and holy place,
but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly
and to revive the heart of the contrite."
As Stars Go Dim sings, we start with a "do it again" attitude but must move to preparation activities. The song's chorus includes an invitation to remove obstacles and prepare for the revival God might bring. In this instance, waiting doesn't seem passive at all!
"Prepare the way, He's coming through
Ready or not, our God's on the move
We're gonna see, Heaven on Earth
Come Holy Spirit, awaken Your church."
Ordinary faithfulness by men and women often precedes extraordinary miracles by God. Do you want to experience God's move or the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit? Then, prepare the way for God. Remove the obstacles in your way and repent of the sin in your heart and actions.
If repentance opens the door to revival, what do you need to confess and surrender today? In a world of FOMO, you've been afraid of missing out on the wrong things. Instead of longing for a fleeting feeling or a short-lived experience, what if you began to fear missing out on God moving near you?
If that's what you have FOMO about today, it's time to listen to "Prepare the Way" and get to work!
Scott Savage is a pastor, author, and speaker with the best last name in the world. Scott’s writing helps people transform difficult circumstances into places where they can thrive. He leads Cornerstone Church in Prescott, Arizona, and loves watching movies with his wife and three kids. You can begin Scott’s life-changing project, The 21 Day Gratitude Challenge, today.
