43 O God, Where Art Thou?
O God, Where Art Thou?
Joseph and some of his friends spent four winter months in the dungeon of Carthage Jail. Joseph wasn’t with the suffering saints, but received news concerning them. Remember his prayer wasn’t just for his own afflictions, but for the many saints who had joined the Church. They had again been driven from their homes, but this time they didn’t have the prophet with them.
121:33 While in jail, the Lord poured down knowledge upon Joseph.
121:1; 122:9 His “O God, where art thou?” was answered with “Fear not … , for God shall be with you forever and ever.”
See Saints, 1:323–96
Within the Walls of Liberty Jail
For Kids
With God, my trials can be for my good.
Doctrine and Covenants 121:1–9; 122:7–9
Chapter 46: Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail
Voices of the Restoration: Liberty Jail
Video: “Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration”(begin at 41:30)
Nauvoo (A Beautiful Place) followed Liberty Jail.
Read together: Doctrine and Covenants 121:1–9
How did Jesus help Joseph feel peace? How can we find peace in the Savior, even in the difficult times?
122:7 Our trials can be for our good. Can muscles grow without us working hard? When we turn to the Lord to help us through difficult times, our spirits grow stronger. When have you grown stronger because you worked hard at something that was hard for you?
With God, adversity can “be for [my] good.”
Doctrine and Covenants 121:1–10, 23–33; 122
We can cry out like Joseph did, when his friends, family, and he himself were suffering, “O God, where art though.” I think we also need to ask ourselves that question in good times and difficult times. Where are we? God knows where He is and where we are and what we need. If we stand firmly in the faith of Jesus Christ, all things will indeed work together for our good. So we need to remember our covenants with God and always remember Him (Jesus our Savior) as we have promised to do. He will never forsake us, and we can be comforted and feel His peace even when we are passing through misery.
Read Doctrine and Covenants 121:1–6: When have you petitioned the Lord in such grief and with such faith?
Note the blessings that the Lord promises used in in verses 7–10, 26–33. (See notes below.)
How can we endure well? How will the Lord help us to endure well?
section 122 How should I view my adversaries? (see notes below.)
verse 7 How have your trials worked together for your good?
Personal Peace in Challenging Times
For Kids
Righteousness brings the “powers of heaven.”
Doctrine and Covenants 121:34–46
Use an analogy to teach about the powers of heaven.
How is electrical power similar to God’s power? There are things that might prevent an electrical device from receiving power. (The battery is no longer good; a trip switch needs to be reset; a charging cable is faulty.) What things can decrease our spiritual receptivity and power? What are some things that can increase it? (Faith in Jesus Christ; staying on the covenant path.)
Doctrine and Covenants 121:34–46 Look for words and phrases about spiritual power or the powers of heaven. (see notes below)
True power and influence are based on “the principles of righteousness.”
Doctrine and Covenants 121:34–46
Joseph Smith was landed In prison by earthy power, but while in prison he learned more about heavenly power.
121:34–46 Can help us learn how we can receive heavenly power, and how we can use it to bless the lives of others. What have your learned about the Lord’s power? (See notes below.)
verse 41 We shouldn’t use the power we have or are ability to influence others in unrighteous ways. We should invite others to choose the right, but not force another’s free will.
How can you be an influence for good? How can you use the gifts that God has given you to bless others and invite them to come unto Christ?
verses 41–46 How does God influence His children? “To influence for good, I will .” (See notes below)
Video: The Powers of Heaven: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2010-07-0105-the-powers-of-heaven?lang=eng
[Pick a phrase and study it in depth. To learn more about the wonderful blessings described in verses 45–46, you might pick a phrase that stands out to you and study it in depth. For example, what does the word garnish mean, and how can virtue garnish your thoughts? Or maybe you can find a picture of dew and learn about how dew forms on plants. How is this similar to the way the Lord teaches His doctrine? Share what you discover with your family or friends, including your friends at church.]
Jesus Christ has descended below all things so that He can lift me up.
Doctrine and Covenants 122:8
Jesus Christ descended below all things:
Isaiah 53:3–4 3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 ¶ Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
Hebrews 2:17–18 17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
1 Nephi 11:16–33 32 And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me again, saying: Look! And I looked and beheld the Lamb of God, that he was taken by the people; yea, the Son of the everlasting God was judged of the world; and I saw and bear record.
33 And I, Nephi, saw that he was lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world.
Alma 7:11–13 11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.
Restate Doctrine and Covenants 122:8 in your own words: The Son of our Heavenly Father, who is the Man of Holiness, took upon Himself all sin, all sickness, all sorrow, anxiety, depression, and pain; He descended below everything. Why should we who are without sin and in need of growth and understanding, who need to learn humility, faith and trust in the Lord, why would we think that we don’t need to pass through any discomfort or trial?
Strengthened by the Atonement of Jesus Christ
“We might even say that having descended beneath it all, [Jesus Christ] is perfectly positioned to lift us and give us the strength we need to endure our afflictions” (President Oaks).
For Kids
Jesus Christ knows what I am going through.
Doctrine and Covenants 122:7–9
Read 122:7–9
When have you felt the Savior with you during a difficult trial?
Jesus knows how we feel, and He can help us through anything and everything.
Come unto Jesus: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/music/songs/come-unto-jesus?lang=eng
For Kids
Even small things can make a big difference in God’s service.
Doctrine and Covenants 123:15–17
15 Let no man count them as small things; for there is much which lieth in futurity, pertaining to the saints, which depends upon these things.
16 You know, brethren, that a very large ship is benefited very much by a very small helm in the time of a storm, by being kept workways with the wind and the waves.
17 Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.
Helm vs Wheel: While the steering wheel is a central part of the helm, the term "helm" also encompasses all the associated controls and equipment.
The Principles of My Gospel Talk by Elder Bednar “A very large ship is benefited very much by a very small helm in the time of a storm.”
What are we using daily steer our lives?
[A “helm” is a wheel or tiller and the associated equipment used to steer a ship or a boat. And “workways with the wind and the waves” denotes turning a ship so that it maintains its balance and does not capsize during a storm.
Gospel principles are for me and you what a helm is to a ship. Correct principles enable us to find our way and to stand firm, steadfast, and immovable so we do not lose our balance and fall in the raging latter-day storms of darkness and confusion.
We have been blessed abundantly in this general conference to learn about eternal principles from the Lord’s authorized servants. Now, our individual responsibility is to govern ourselves according to the truths of which they have testified.]
Like the small helm of a big ship, our small efforts can make a big difference.
More Teachings for Children: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/games-stories-activities/2025/october/03-doctrine-and-covenants-121-123?lang=eng
“Let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power.”
Doctrine and Covenants 123
In 123:7–8 We have a duty to God and angels, to our family, neighbors, friends, and fellow Saints, to remain faithful to Jesus, to seek the guidance of the Spirit, and to uphold the principle of righteousness. We have a duty to preach the gospel and invite all to come unto Christ and be saved.
Joseph Smith refers to how false beliefs can suffering and persecution.
We can help our cause and the cause of others, by gathering up information, knowledge of all the facts. We can remember our promise to always remember Him and keep His commandments, so that we can have His Spirit to be with us. We can exercise faith and do what we need to do, and then stand still (or be unmovable in our faith in Jesus Christ) with full assurance that we will witness the salvation of our God.
123:1, 17 1 And again, we would suggest for your consideration the propriety of all the saints gathering up a knowledge of all the facts, and sufferings and abuses put upon them by the people of this State;
17 Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.
We gather up the facts so that we can take our grievances to the proper channels and authority, especially to present them before the Lord. We are not looking to destroy or condemn, but to be saved and to offer salvation to others. Vs 17 is important and beautiful. Remember that the arm of the Lord will be revealed according to His will, purposes and power.
What things lie within your own power to address some of the problems in the world in your circle of influence?
The things that you can do and should do matter:
15 Let no man count them as small things; for there is much which lieth in futurity, pertaining to the saints, which depends upon these things.
Why is it important to follow these directions in cheerfulness. We are showing and expressing truth and faith in the Lord’s timing and His deliverance.
“Many of the accounts that Joseph asked for in this letter were submitted to the government and published as an 11-part series in a Nauvoo newspaper, the Times and Seasons.”
Scriptures:
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/121?lang=eng
Prayer and prophecies excerpted from two epistles to the Church dictated by Joseph Smith the Prophet while he was a prisoner in the jail at Liberty, Missouri, the first dated March 20, 1839, and the second composed around March 22. The Prophet and several companions had been months in prison. Their petitions and appeals directed to various government officials had failed to bring them relief.
Vs 1 ff: There is great universal merit in this verses. Joseph cried out in anguish, not only for himself, but for his loved ones who he could not be with.
The Lord answered his prayer, gave him comfort and understanding, brought him peace and told her of future blessings.
When I feel to cry, "Oh God, where art thou?" I hope I will remember that God is always there and He is with me and can be beside me. Sometime, we need to ask the question, "Where am I?" Is my faith still in Jesus Christ? Do I feel His love and His Spirit with me? Am I calm and peaceful enough to recognize the Holy Ghost with me? God never leaves us. One of my biggest challenges is to no allow myself to get distracted by the cares of the world, or even the sorrows of separation. I need to do as Joseph did: humble myself, have a broken heart, and let the Lord heal me.
Vs 4 ff: There is importance in our prayers to acknowledge the greatness of God, His power and might, and our own weeknesses. As we do, we can more fully put our trust in Him, with further faith in His Son, petitioning Him for the aid that we desperately need.
6 Remember thy suffering saints, O our God; and thy servants will rejoice in thy name forever.
Note the blessings that the Lord promises used in in verses 7–10, 26–33.
7 My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;
8 And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.
9 Thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands.
10 Thou art not yet as Job; thy friends do not contend against thee, neither charge thee with transgression, as they did Job.
Vs 11 ff: This is as true in our day as in Joseph's. Those who charge him with transgression become lost and confused.
16 Cursed are all those that shall lift up the heel against mine anointed, saith the Lord, and cry they have sinned when they have not sinned before me, saith the Lord, but have done that which was meet in mine eyes, and which I commanded them.
17 But those who cry transgression do it because they are the servants of sin, and are the children of disobedience themselves.
26 God shall give unto you knowledge by his Holy Spirit, yea, by the unspeakable gift of the Holy Ghost, that has not been revealed since the world was until now;
27 Which our forefathers have awaited with anxious expectation to be revealed in the last times, which their minds were pointed to by the angels, as held in reserve for the fulness of their glory;
28 A time to come in the which nothing shall be withheld, whether there be one God or many gods, they shall be manifest.
29 All thrones and dominions, principalities and powers, shall be revealed and set forth upon all who have endured valiantly for the gospel of Jesus Christ.
32 According to that which was ordained in the midst of the Council of the Eternal God of all other gods before this world was, that should be reserved unto the finishing and the end thereof, when every man shall enter into his eternal presence and into his immortal rest.
33 How long can rolling waters remain impure? What power shall stay the heavens? As well might man stretch forth his puny arm to stop the Missouri river in its decreed course, or to turn it up stream, as to hinder the Almighty from pouring down knowledge from heaven upon the heads of the Latter-day Saints.
Doctrine and Covenants 121:34–46 Look for words and phrases about spiritual power or the powers of heaven.
Vs 34-36 If I want to be both called and chosen, I need to set my heart upon the Lord and upon His eternal purposes and not be so distracted by the things of this world or the glory of it.
121:34–46 Can help us learn how we can receive heavenly power, and how we can use it to bless the lives of others. What have your learned about the Lord’s power?
Use the gifts that you’ve been given to serve God, not to exalt yourself above others. We need to love His children and serve with Charity, the Pure love of Christ.
verses 41–46 How does God influence His children? “To influence for good, I will .”
41 No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;
42 By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—
43 Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy;
44 That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death.
45 Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.
46 The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/122?lang=eng
The word of the Lord to Joseph Smith the Prophet, while a prisoner in the jail at Liberty, Missouri. This section is an excerpt from an epistle to the Church written around March 22, 1839.
3 And thy people shall never be turned against thee by the testimony of traitors.
and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.
8 The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?
9 Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever.
section 122 How should I view my adversaries? With compassion and a desire for their repentance and forgiveness through Jesus Christ our Lord.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/123?lang=eng
Duty of the Saints in relation to their persecutors, as written by Joseph Smith the Prophet while a prisoner in the jail at Liberty, Missouri. This section is an excerpt from an epistle to the Church written around March 22, 1839 (see the heading to section 122).
Many among all sects will yet receive the truth.
6 That we may not only publish to all the world, but present them to the heads of government in all their dark and hellish hue, as the last effort which is enjoined on us by our Heavenly Father, before we can fully and completely claim that promise which shall call him forth from his hiding place; and also that the whole nation may be left without excuse before he can send forth the power of his mighty arm.
Will this need to happen again in our day, both for us and all good Christians, so that we can with faith call upon God to bare His mighty arm for our preservation and the preservation of this Country and all good people throughout the world?
7 It is an imperative duty that we owe to God, to angels, with whom we shall be brought to stand, and also to ourselves, to our wives and children
9 Therefore it is an imperative duty that we owe, not only to our own wives and children, but to the widows and fatherless, whose husbands and fathers have been murdered under its iron hand;
11 And also it is an imperative duty that we owe to all the rising generation, and to all the pure in heart
12 For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it—
13 Therefore, that we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they are truly manifest from heaven—
14 These should then be attended to with great earnestness.
15 Let no man count them as small things; for there is much which lieth in futurity, pertaining to the saints, which depends upon these things.
16 You know, brethren, that a very large ship is benefited very much by a very small helm in the time of a storm, by being kept workways with the wind and the waves.
17 Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.
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