Liberty Jail

Amid many allegations, Joseph Smith was sent to a few different jails in Missouri before he finally ended up in Liberty Jail. Joseph was treated horribly, and had to live in the most demeaning conditions. From being in dark, cramped quarters, to being offered human flesh, Joseph was in extremely dire situations. He didn’t know how the Saints were doing, and had to trust that Brigham Young and the other free leaders would keep them safe. It’s enough physically and emotionally to break just about anyone. Enough to cause the strongest man to ask: “Why? Why me?” And Joseph did just that. “Oh God, where art thou?” The words which start off the 121st section of the Doctrine and Covenants show just how low Joseph Smith must have felt. It was the first time he had to sit and really have time to ponder things, and wonder if what he was on the right track. Had he truly followed the Lord’s counsel? Had the Lord forsaken him? He was discouraged. He was despairing. Yet the Lord didn’t come to His immediate aid and try only to comfort him. But He does give him what Joseph needed to hear. He says, “My son, peace be unto thy soul.” These sweet words are the beginning of some incredible and sweet revelations, as well as the beginning of a new era for Joseph Smith. Before going to Liberty Jail, Joseph almost seemed to lack confidence in some areas. He typically had somebody else speak for him. He knew the gospel, and was confident in His relationship with the Lord, but he hadn’t truly been tried and tested. It was in the solemn walls of Liberty Jail that he received that test. The Lord promised Joseph that if he would endure the trials well, they would be for His good. In that, and the other counsel the Lord gave Joseph, a new man evolved. Joseph learned how to truly lead. He became completely confident in the teachings. No longer was he going to have somebody else speak for him, but he was now going to be his own spokesmen. He began to teach sermons instead of teaching revelations. In many ways for Joseph, Liberty Jail could be seen as his Garden of Gethsemane. It was probably the hardest time in his life. Possibly the hardest period of time he had to go through. Yet, when he came out of it he was stronger than ever. He did endure it well. He did what the Lord asked of him, and as a result he was able to strengthen and bless those around him. By following the Lord, and working through those hard times, he was able to become what the Lord wanted him to become.