For about 8-10 years, I have had this scene in my head of Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail. Finally, I can share it with the world!
In the midst of what could be called a personal “Gethsemane”, Joseph cried out “Oh God, where art thou?” As we see in the 121st section of the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord answered Joseph giving him a remarkable revelation. This place of suffering became a sacred place, a place of tutoring and learning. The Lord never left Joseph; Christ was always there with him.
I can testify that the Lord never leaves us. In what we may feel in the “Gethsemanes” of our own lives, we too may feel to cry out as Joseph did. It is in these moments where we can be taught many great and wonderful things. These moments can, as it was in Joseph’s case, be a hinge-point in our lives.
Perhaps these moments of deep suffering can, in a way, help us empathize with just an echo of Him who suffered the true Gethsemane; the difference being, though, is that, unlike as it was with Him, we do NOT suffer alone.
I testify that Jesus, even in our darkest hour, will ALWAYS be with us!
Reproduced from the artist's Digital Painting 16 x 20. Created 2024.
