The Joy of Missing Out
February 8, 2026
In a culture driven by constant connection and endless updates, missing out feels like failure. But what if it’s actually freedom? In this message from Romans 12:2, we discover how constant digital noise shapes our minds -- and how intentional absence can restore clarity, peace, and joy. As part of a 28-day digital fast, this sermon invites us to experience what happens when we stop conforming to the patterns of a distracted world and allow God to renew our minds. Sometimes the life we want most isn’t found by adding more -- but by letting go.
Passage
Romans 12:2
Principle
##Attention## determines ##spiritual## formation.
Practice
Experience 28 Days of ##JOMO## (the ##Joy## of ##Missing## ##Out## )
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couple or with your family, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
- Where did you experience JOMO (the Joy of Missing Out) in the past week?
- What surprising emotions came up when you weren’t constantly plugged in (anxiety, boredom, peace, delight)?
HEAR
Read Romans 12:1–2; Psalm 46:10
- Paul says transformation happens by the “renewal of your mind.” How has digital noise made this renewal more difficult?
- According to Romans 12:2, what are the results of being transformed by the renewing of your mind?
- Do you think there is a relationship between where you focus your attention and the overall direction of your life?
- Which of the five reasons from the sermon for joining the Digital Fast has felt most true in your life (Mental health, Relationships, Focus, Hearing God, Community)?
- What does it look like to practice “being still” in a world of constant alerts and infinite scroll?
HUDDLE
- What time of day could you intentionally create a “digital quiet” window -- no screens, no notifications, just presence?
- What do you hope God will teach or reveal during that quiet?
- Where did you drift this week, and what was happening underneath?
- If you’ve drifted from the fast, adopt this attitude: “I’m not starting over; I’m returning.” Then choose one boundary to reinforce this week.
- Pray that God would renew minds, restore peace, and awaken spiritual hunger as the group experiences deeper levels of digital quiet.
Daily Reading
As you read each passage, look for connections to this week’s sermon and small group discussion. Invite the Holy Spirit to be your teacher as you seek Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
- Day 1: Romans 12:1-2
- Day 2: Psalm 46:1-11
- Day 3: Mark 1:32-39
- Day 4: Psalm 119:33-40
- Day 5: Philippians 4:4-9
- Day 6: Luke 10:38-42
- Day 7: Isaiah 30:15
Passage to Memorize: Romans 12:2
Think Deeper
- Which digital habits most disrupt your mental and spiritual well-being?
- Where have your devices replaced the relationships God intended you to enjoy?
- What do you want to hear from God in this season of JOMO?
Suggested Resources
The Anxious Generation, by Jonathan Haidt
Restless Devices: Recovering Personhood, Presence, and Place in the Digital Age, by Felicia Wu Song
The Tech-Wise Family, by Andy Crouch
Check out these and other books from our suggested reading list at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB.