My scripture studies article is available here “O God Where Art Thou? D&C 121-122.” Quote from the opening paragraphs:
“O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place? How long shall thy hand be stayed and thine eye, yea thy pure eye, behold from the eternal heavens the wrongs of they people and of thy servants, and thine ear be penetrated with their cries? Yea, O Lord, how long shall they suffer these wrongs and unlawful oppressions, before thine heart shall be softened toward them, and thy bowels be moved with compassion toward them? O Lord God Almighty, maker of heaven, earth, and seas, and of all things that in them are, and who controllest and subjectest the devil, and the dark and benighted dominion of Sheol—stretch forth thy hand; let thine eye pierce; let thy pavilion be taken up; let they hiding place no longer be covered; let thine ear be inclined; let thine heart be softened, and thy bowels moved with compassion toward us. Let thine anger be kindled against our enemies; and, in the fury of thine heart, with thy sword avenge us of our wrongs. Remember thy suffering saints, O our God; and thy servants will rejoice in thy name forever.” (D&C 121:1–6)
“Months of misery, oppression, persecution, deprivation, mobs, looting, robbing, murders and dark prison cells stirred Joseph to declare these words. His questions evoked some of the most sublime revelatory responses, now published in the Doctrine & Covenants section 121-122. After a historical review of the circumstances under which these revelations were received, we will explore the divine purpose of life and the role that suffering plays.”
