For Now

How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? - Psalm 13:1

So many people have been sharing that these days are hard for them, that they are struggling to find hope in our current political climate. As a pastor, I (Bill) have seen more anxiety than just about any other time in my 35 years of ministry. These are intense days.

It’s not unreasonable to ask God, “How long?!”

As you face the world after asking God this question, here is a little tool that might be helpful. Author and spiritual director Emily P. Freeman shares a practice that has made a huge difference for her and many others: keeping a proper perspective on time. This is how she articulates it:

I repeat this phrase as a reminder and a prayer: “For now.” It reminds me that it won’t always be this way, that I can endure because this has an end date.

“For now” is an arrow, pointing at the place where I now stand, keeping me in this present moment. They are two words that, when added to what feels like an impossible sentence, can take away the implied assumption of forever and can shift my focus ever so slightly to this right-now moment, which is the only one I have.

• My kids are struggling… for now.

• I’m working overtime… for now.

• I’m missing an outlet for creativity… for now.

• We don’t have a faith community… for now.

• I don’t know what I’m doing… for now.

• I feel like I don’t belong… for now.

- Emily P. Freeman, How to Walk into a Room