Joseph and Liberty

Life is hard. I don't think that anyone could  deny the simple fact that there are times in life that are lonely, stressful, and full of heartache. These times are hopefully short and the majority of life is wonderful but everyone has to go through trials at some point in time. These times of struggle affect everyone differently. Some choose to wallow in their suffering and become bitter and closed off, some choose to remain optimistic, learn from their trials, and become better from them. Many others fall somewhere in the middle, simply enduring their trials and trying to move on afterwards. 

If anyone endured a time of trial it was Joseph Smith during his time at Liberty Jail. During this four and a half month long incarceration  Joseph faced horrible living conditions-little to eat, only dirty straw to sleep on, little protection from the bitter cold, and so little room that he could not even stand erect. Even worse, Joseph was taken away from his wife and family and church as they were being persecuted and in desperate need of help. 

During this time of suffering Joseph is naturally disheartened. He asks the Lord why he has been forsaken and why he and his people are enduring such harsh trials and how much longer they must continue. These types of questions are natural for us as individuals-we seek reassurance that the Lord is listening and that he is aware of our situation and  cares about us. Heavenly Father responds to Joseph just as he has promised to respond to all of his. He answers his heart-felt questions and lets him know that his suffering is only for a small moment. This had to be a welcome message of hope to Joseph-reassurance that brighter times would come and that the pain he was enduring would not last forever. 

The Lord also let him know that he has not yet suffered as much as Christ, or Job for that matter, and that they endured their trials well. This wider perspective had to of have a sobering and humbling effect on Joseph. So much of the time we foolishly convince ourselves that no one understands our problems and that the lot life has given us is so much harder than everyone else's. We fail to see the opportunity that we have to become humble and learn from our trials, just as the prophet Joseph did. During his incarceration at Liberty Jail, Joseph received so much revelation that it has often been referred to as a "temple-prison". From his time of tribulation, not only was Joseph blessed but the entire church was as well. 

Liberty Jail was a catalyst that forever changed Joseph Smith. Not only did it teach him valuable lessons, but it also made him a powerful speaker. Before his imprisonment he relied on spokesman, but after his release he became the preacher of the church. The following revelations recording in Nauvoo were in actuality Joseph's teachings and sermons. Though it was tough, his trial made him better and stronger. I pray that I can react to my own personal "Liberty Jail"s in a similar matter and through them grow closer to Christ and my Father in heaven.