Joseph’s physical circumstances were brutal.
Cramped conditions.
In a jail.
Terrible food.
Poor lighting.
Freezing cold.
Isn’t it tempting to consider our outside circumstances as a sign of how we are doing in life?
“How are you doing right now?”
“Terribly. Because of all these things that are going wrong…”
But Elder Cook made a wise assessment:
“Joseph’s time in Liberty Jail demonstrates that adversity is not evidence of the Lord’s disfavor nor a withdrawal of His blessings.”
If we look at the physical trajectory of Joseph’s life, it doesn’t really look awesome.
A humble farmer boy. A poor young couple, accepting financial support from others. Moving to Ohio and getting a little more established. Being beat up by a mob. Reputation ruined by false rumors. Serious financial distress. Forced to move to Missouri with a hopeful promise for the future. Hope quickly being turned to conflict and fear. Arrested and stuck in a miserable jail for months.
This trajectory looks terrible, honestly.
But as with virtually everything, the Lord looks on the heart.
What was the trajectory of Joseph’s heart throughout his life?
Consistent spiritual enlightenment. Moments with the Divine. Priesthood power. Peace and certainty. Forgiveness and meekness. A growing love and concern for all. Teaching others and sharing his light. Inspired scriptures that have touched millions. Peace and comfort found in a miserable little jail cell.
Our physical circumstances have virtually no indication of how blessed we are.
It’s all about the status of the heart.
Has your heart been growing, softening, turning to the Lord throughout your life?
Then I might humbly suggest that you are living a very blessed life indeed, just like the prophet Joseph.
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
