What if missing out wasn’t something to fear, but something to enjoy? That’s the heart of JOMO, or the “joy of missing out.” While our world is tuned to celebrate busyness and constant connection, JOMO is about stepping back, catching your breath, and finding real contentment in the life God has given right here and now. Let’s explore why missing out is sometimes the best thing that can happen, and why Christians can embrace JOMO with glad hearts.

Rediscovering Contentment in a Noisy World

We live in an age of endless noise—notifications, invites, updates, and opportunities. There’s always somewhere to go, something to do, a new trend to keep up with, and the pressure is real. For many, saying “yes” becomes the default, driven by the familiar anxiety of FOMO, or the “fear of missing out.” That sinking feeling that everyone else is living a bigger, better, or more fulfilling life can pull us into the whirlpool of comparison and restlessness.

But Scripture speaks often about the importance of stillness, contentment, and trusting the Lord’s pace. The psalms remind us to “be still and know that I am God.” Jesus Himself modeled withdrawing to quiet places, stepping away from the crowd to pray and recharge. The joy of missing out is, at its core, about reclaiming the gift of these quiet moments and finding peace in present grace—not in constant doing or endless chasing.

What Makes JOMO Special?

JOMO flips the script. Instead of worrying about what we’re missing, it lets us celebrate what we’re choosing: a calm night at home, an early bedtime, deep conversation with a friend, time for a favorite hobby, or even a long walk just to savor God’s creation. JOMO isn’t just a lack of something—it’s the gift of presence, gratitude, and authenticity.

You see, JOMO invites us to unplug from social media, shut down the barrage of outside expectations, and truly listen to our own God-given desires and limits. It means saying “no” to guilt and “yes” to rhythms of rest, healthy boundaries, and intentional living. With JOMO, we don’t define our lives by what others are doing. Instead, we celebrate the blessings and opportunities right in front of us.

JOMO vs. FOMO: A Different Way to Live

While FOMO creates stress, comparison, and regret, JOMO brings freedom, rest, and thankfulness. FOMO is always keeping score, measuring your life against the highlight reels of others. It can make even a night off feel wrong—after all, shouldn’t you be doing more, being more, seeing more?

JOMO is content to exist quietly, to savor the moment, and to make peace with missing out on what doesn’t matter. When plans change and an evening at home appears, JOMO allows you to genuinely enjoy it, not fret over what you might be missing. The difference isn’t only in circumstances—it’s a heart-level shift, much like Paul described when he wrote, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (Philippians 4:11).

Key Characteristics of JOMO

So what does this joy really look like? Here are some hallmarks of living with JOMO:

  • Intentional unplugging: Setting down the phone, stepping away from screens, and creating space for quiet and reflection. This is not about withdrawing from the world, but being more present in it.

  • Enjoying solitude and simplicity: Whether it’s reading scripture, gardening, listening to music, or simply resting, JOMO finds delight in everyday things—no performance needed, no audience required.

  • Practicing presence: JOMO calls us to pay attention. It helps us pause, look around, and really absorb the beauty and blessings in each moment. We stop multitasking and start truly seeing the people and gifts right before us.

  • Setting boundaries: Saying “no” can be hard, especially when it seems like everyone is expecting more. But JOMO empowers us to set gentle, wise limits so we can steward our energy and priorities.

  • Gratitude and acceptance: Rather than chase the next thrill or milestone, JOMO lets us give thanks for what we already have. It replaces envy and discontent with humility and appreciation, in line with 1 Timothy 6:6: “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”

JOMO in the Real World

JOMO isn’t about hiding from responsibility, nor is it an excuse to avoid relationships or ministry. Instead, it’s about choosing what matters most in each season and knowing it’s okay to not do it all. For a young parent, it may mean declining a late-night event to snuggle with a child and get rest. For a student, it might mean skipping a party to pursue a passion project or spend quiet time with the Lord. For a busy professional, it’s recognizing that “enough” is sometimes the best goal.

The awkwardness of saying “no” can be replaced with quiet confidence when we understand our real worth comes from Christ, not from fitting every social expectation or maximizing every opportunity. JOMO lets us delight in God’s sovereignty, believing He will lead us to the places and relationships most needed for our growth.

The Blessings of Embracing JOMO

People who practice JOMO often discover a host of benefits. Here are just a few:

Reduced anxiety: The stress of keeping up vanishes when you stop measuring yourself against everyone else. Your mind can rest and your heart can be peaceful.

Clearer focus: When you choose where to give your attention, you can pursue goals and relationships that truly matter, rather than scattering yourself thin.

Greater gratitude: Saying “no” to what’s unnecessary creates space for deeper thankfulness for what is present—family, faith, beauty, rest.

Deeper connections: Instead of dozens of casual contacts, JOMO leads to a few meaningful, face-to-face conversations and stronger relationships built on honesty.

Spiritual renewal: Quieting life’s background noise makes room to hear God’s voice, reflect on His Word, and grow in prayer. Without distractions, faith can deepen.

Practical Ways to Cultivate JOMO

If you want to welcome the joy of missing out into your own life, here are a few steps to try:

  • Set daily or weekly times to unplug from technology—whether it’s an evening with the phone off or a weekend away from social media.

  • Pray for wisdom to discern where to say “yes,” so you can say “no” with peace and purpose.

  • Keep a gratitude journal to remind yourself of the blessings you already have and to train your heart toward joy.

  • Build intentional rhythms of Sabbath and rest into your week as acts of trust, not laziness.

  • Talk with your family or close friends about what brings true nourishment and joy, and support each other as you embrace JOMO together.

Why JOMO Matters for Believers

JOMO is more than a self-help trend—it’s a return to biblical priorities and an invitation to trust that God gives good gifts, including the gift of margin and the permission to rest. It frees us from the illusion that life is found in always being “busy,” and invites us to find our meaning in Him.

Remember, guilt is not from God. The purpose of life isn’t to attend every event or impress every onlooker. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” When we say “yes” to JOMO, we open ourselves to the restorative rest our souls so desperately need.

Finding Joy, Right Where You Are

The joy of missing out isn’t about shutting out the world. It’s about opening ourselves to what truly matters, stepping back from crowded calendars and noisy comparisons, and discovering that what the Lord provides is always enough.

JOMO is an invitation to live gratefully, intentionally, and at peace—with God, with ourselves, and with others. May we all dare to miss out, so we won’t miss what truly counts.