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February 19, 2026<\/span><\/p>\n The Freedom of Missing Out<\/strong><\/span> Lee en espa\u00f1ol<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThen, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, \u2018Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.\u2019\u201d Mark 6:31 (NIV)<\/em><\/p>\n The neon numbers on my nightstand clock insisted it was midnight, yet it felt like midday to my active mind. Weariness swept my spirit as the enemy nagged with notions of angst that night.<\/p>\n Lord, how can I continue to show up when I feel burned out?<\/em> I softly questioned. Trying to fill every moment of opportunity left me feeling empty of rest.<\/p>\n Dear friend, can you relate to being in that place of striving to do it all, quietly feeling weary and worn but afraid to miss out on something meaningful if you slow down?<\/p>\n We may often hear the acronym FOMO, meaning \u201cfear of missing out.\u201d But what a lullaby it would sing to our spirits if instead we embraced a different kind of FOMO \u2014 the freedom<\/em> of missing out.<\/p>\n Jesus shared this freeing mindset with His disciples in Mark 6:31: \u201cBecause so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, \u2018Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.\u2019\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n If anyone knew the value of showing up for those around Him, it was Jesus, the Son of God, whose mission was to save the world. Yet Jesus didn\u2019t fear that rest would cause Him to miss out; rather, He understood that rest would preserve His mission.<\/p>\n Notice those three little words of Jesus\u2019 tucked into our key verse: \u201cCome with me.\u201d<\/em> There was no shortage of opportunities for Jesus and His disciples to engage with the people around them, yet Jesus didn\u2019t engage nonstop<\/em>. He invited His disciples into quiet rest with Him, preserving their capacity to fulfill their calling.<\/p>\n On that weary night of mine, the Lord reminded me that freedom abounds in the calm of His company. Just as Jesus invited His disciples to escape the bustle and embrace His rest, He offers this freedom to us, His cherished daughters.<\/p>\n May we quiet our expectations and honor our limitations, prayerfully opting out of opportunities that exhaust our capacity to fulfill God\u2019s mission in our lives. And in the calm of our time with Jesus, may we seek His wisdom for what is ours to do right now and what is not.<\/p>\n Fear not, friend! We can trust the Keeper of our days. God won\u2019t let us miss His best for us because we choose to rest with Him.<\/p>\n Oh, that we\u2019d sense His invitation to the freedom of missing out<\/em>. When we trade the rush of activity for the hush of His presence, our spirits are free to rest in the peace of His plans.<\/p>\n Dear Lord, thank You for being my refuge of rest from a bustling world. Please order my days for Yourself. In Jesus\u2019 Name, Amen.<\/em><\/p>\n If today\u2019s devotion reminded you of how much God\u2019s Truth can steady your heart, you\u2019re not alone. Every day, women are quietly searching for that same kind of clarity and comfort \u2014 especially in moments that feel heavy, confusing, or unexpected.That\u2019s why Therapy & Theology<\/em> is so important. It offers a place for women to work through what they\u2019re walking through with biblical wisdom they can trust<\/strong>. One listener recently shared that the podcast became \u201ca lifeline\u201d when she felt like she was drowning \u2014 not because it offered quick answers but because it gently pointed her back to what was true. Your generosity helps make that kind of hope possible. You can give today to help ensure the next woman searching for guidance finds steady, compassionate, Scripture-rooted Truth waiting for her.<\/strong><\/p>\n For more encouragement, connect with Brenda on her website or on Instagram.<\/p>\n Matthew 11:28, \u201cCome to me,\u00a0all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest\u201d (NIV).<\/p>\n How might getting away with Jesus for rest and reflection offer freedom and insight to your days? We\u2019d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.<\/p>\n \u00a9 2026 by Brenda Bradford Ottinger. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n Proverbs 31 Ministries
BRENDA BRADFORD OTTINGER <\/span><\/p>\nOUR FAVORITE THINGS<\/h4>\n
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