The 'JOY' Of the LORD is Expensive!

"Rejoice in the LORD always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"
Philippians 4:4

Today, being Monday, the first busy day of your week, we pray that you get your 'JOY' ON and praise the LORD with us, the whole week long!

Daily walking in The 'JOY' of the LORD can at times be expensive, bringing with it a high price.  Sometimes, when you loose something dear to you, it is then that you come to experience the fullness of The 'JOY' of the LORD.  

Twelve years ago I lost the mobility of my right leg through an accident that took only a few seconds.  Four times I have been hospitalized, and two of those times I was told I would not live more then 48 hours.  JESUS had better plans!  It has also been a battle to keep my leg from being amputated.

The first three times I was released from the hospital, my Doctor told me that there was no way to bring permanent healing to my right leg.  The fourth time, I was released from the Hospital with the information of a new massage therapy that could bring my leg to a manageable place as long as I apply 300 feet of compression bandages to my leg to keep it from imploding.

While this therapy was financially expensive, even more expensive was my personal pride being stripped away from me for several months.  I was required to daily undress and lay on a table with only a small sheet to cover me while a female therapist would massage my right side from head to foot, turn me over and massage the left side of my body.

While my name is Mark, Warrior For Jesus, I am a big cry baby when it comes to having my pride taken from me in such a personal manner.  I did not appreciate the humiliating experience, obviously, I have not forgotten it.  I did get over my embarrassment as much as possible, and made sure to witness the love of the LORD to these women each day.  I had to choose to be willing to live in The 'JOY' of the LORD in these circumstances, for at times the 'JOY' of the LORD is expensive!

Due to the condition of my right leg, I often fall down.  Because of continuous falling, my left leg is slowing becoming crippled as well.  

Regardless of the enemies attack against you, when you put on The 'JOY' of the LORD, you are set free from pain, self pity, despair and depression.  Today and everyday, live your life in the 'JOY' of the LORD!