Keeping the Lord with us

One of the many lessons we can learn from Joseph's story is that even through difficult trials and adversity the Lord can be with us, and wants to be with us, (Genesis 39:2,3,21,23) IF we do our part. What did Joseph do to stay close to the Lord during his trials?  As members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints we hear every Sunday during the sacrament prayers what we need to be doing in order to always have the Lord with us; always remember Him and keep His commandments. Can we find examples of both of these requirements in Joseph’s story? Yes, we can! 

Keep His Commandments

• When Joseph is sold to Potiphar as a slave is says that he served him (Genesis 39: 4). 
• When Potiphar's wife tries to get Joseph to break the law of chastity, he refuses and flees from her (Genesis 39: 7-12). 
• When Joseph is in prison and is asked to take charge over the butler and the baker, he serves them and mourns with them when they are sad (Genesis 40: 2-6)

Always Remember Him

• When Joseph is confronted by Potiphar’s wife to commit sin, his ultimate reason for refusing her advances is because of his love of God (Genesis 39:9). 
• When interpreting the dreams of the butler, baker and Pharaoh, Joseph gives credit to God for his gift (Genesis 40:8, 41:16)

Joseph's obedience and loyalty to God and His commandments reveals why he was blessed with the companionship of the Lord through his trials. Rather than becoming bitter and angry, he turned to the Lord and became better. We can do the same. One of my favorite quotes of the week came from an interview with Dr. Lili Anderson on the Follow Him podcast. While talking about this principle she said: "It's because my life isn't fair, and I choose to be good, that the Lord can be with me and consecrate my afflictions for my good. That's the purpose. That's the plan." 

In this life we will all experience hardships regardless of how righteous we have been. Look at both Joseph's life and Jesus' life. Both were obedient and loyal to God and his commandments and yet both still suffered a life full of injustices and betrayals. Despite these afflictions, they stayed on the covenant path. They didn't become bitter, they turned to God and became better. We can follow their examples and do the same.