The thought of what it will be like to enter back into the “American” lifestyle has crossed my mind many times throughout this journey. But I think this month; it’s become even more present in my daily thoughts.
Luxury: the state of great comfort and extravagant living.
I am living in luxury. There is a bathroom in my room. I can shower with a real towel. We have a western toilet. We cook in an industrial sized kitchen. There are napkins on the table. There’s a washer and dryer at my convenience. I can access WIFI from my bed. There’s more than one outlet plug in my room. I don’t have to worry about the power going out. The water doesn’t shut off randomly. I have a wardrobe to put my clothes in. I could go on.
Many of you may not see this as luxurious living because the truth is, in America, all of these things currently reside in our homes. Therefore, thinking about being without them doesn’t really cross our minds.
Truth be told, I’ve enjoyed living the not so luxurious lifestyle, prior to this month. I’ve enjoyed feeling like I don’t have to catch up with someone or impress this and that person. I’ve enjoyed learning what true acceptance truly means. I’ve enjoyed waking up in the morning, throwing my hair back and slipping the clothes I wore yesterday and the day before on. If you’ve known me for any period of time…that is NOT the Ashley Edwards that left Fairfax, VA on September 5th. Poppa’s reconstructing my heart to see so much more outside of myself and focus on things that matter more to His heart, like His people, His sweet embraces of a loving soul, and His tender whispers from His word.
It’s weird being in this place and experiencing all these things that feel so normal to my everyday American life, because I’ve been without many of them for a number of months. In a way, it’s freeing, because I’ve come to realize how little I need to get by.
Perhaps this month Poppa’s giving me a little lesson on humility. And perhaps he’s changing my heart to desire to live “differently” once I get back to the states.
While driving home from a bible study last month, my mind was racing, and out of nowhere, I started thinking about the power of words. Which slowly led my mind down a long bunny trail that ended in God speaking the word secure over me. As I heard Him speak, I knew that’s the word He wanted me to press into this month.
Is it ironic that all this luxury is surrounding me, and I’m learning what it means to be secure in my Poppa Jesus? I think not. Deuteronomy 33:12 says, “let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders”. Nothing else matters when I am secure in Christ; He’s protecting and guiding my every step. He’s holding me in the palm of His hands. Things don’t bring me security – but the deep, divine power of Jesus Christ’s death brought me to salvation where I can rest secure in awaiting His future glory. And, I can be confident in this security because God has established me with Christ and has anointed me and has put His seal on me and given me His Spirit in my heart as a guarantee (2 Corinthians 1:21-22 paraphrased).
So, when keeping up with the Jones’ tries to get a foothold in your life and the appeals of luxury raves over your heart, remember, you are secure in Christ.
Saying goodbye to the backwards faith of security in the world, and walking upright and ahead in the security of Christ.
(PS. Momma, this is not a tattoo ;])
