Matthew Wickman, professor of English, delivered Tuesday’s devotional address. He spoke about spirituality and the role of spiritual experiences in the path back to our Heavenly Parents.
Wickman posed the question of what it means to thrive spiritually when we feel weighted down by hardships. He presented his definition: thriving spiritually means seeking the Spirit’s presence, being mindful of spiritual experiences and responding to its inspiration.
Wickman teaches a seminar in the English department titled “Literature and Spiritual Experience.” Based on his experiences in his life and with his students, he stated that spiritual experiences are among the richest and most empowering parts of life.
“To feel the Spirit, even in subtle ways or about seemingly small things, is to open a window to eternity,” he said. “Spiritual experiences fill us with hope and purpose, wisdom and understanding; they motivate and console.”
He stated that spiritual experiences can have a transformative effect, helping us understand the role of the Spirit in our lives and more fully realize our potential.
“The Spirit deepens our experiences and thus helps us build relationships, heighten our awareness of life’s richness and diversity and discern more intensely the beauty of things to which we might otherwise be dulled,” Wickman said.
Through these minute moments, God becomes real to each of us and reveals our purpose through the Spirit.
“My conviction is that if you have experiences with the Spirit, even ones that are only still and small, then God is choosing to abide with you. Therefore, despite any cares and questions you may have, you’re probably doing very well indeed. God knows and loves you, and He hasn’t forgotten about you.”
Next forum: Ramona Hopkins, professor of psychology
Ramona Hopkins, the 2019–20 Karl G. Maeser Distinguished Faculty Lecturer, will deliver the forum address on Thursday, December 3, at 11:05 a.m.
Hopkins's remarks will be broadcast live on the BYUtv app. Video, text and audio will be archived on speeches.byu.edu.
