40 Day Devotionals Bring Campus Together

(ABILENE, Texas)– While Hardin-Simmons University has made the transition to online learning, HSU’s Director of Chapel and Spiritual Formation, Dr. Travis Craver, wants to make sure students are still spiritually encouraged while campus chapel services have had to take a break.

“Our hope is for people to be encouraged,” said Craver. “To know that technology is not an answer to everything but can be a positive conduit to learning and growing in our walk with Christ.”

For a total of eight weeks, a three to five minute devotional is being uploaded each morning to YouTube and emailed to HSU students, faculty, and staff. The 40-day devotional series is titled “HSU Together” and incorporates the theme of finding one’s purpose. The messages come from the book “A Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren. Every week comes with a new speaker from campus and a new message about finding God’s purpose.

Holly Edwards, Associate Dean of Students, spoke on the importance of spiritual foundation in community and connection.

Holly Edwards, Associate Dean of Students

“We are created by God to be in community with others,” said Edwards. “I believe that community is centered around Christ and his redemptive work. Our community looks very different right now as we are all physically separated, yet this doesn’t mean we can’t still be connected to each other. I think this what the daily devotionals are able to do. They are able to remind us of what our foundation is while also connecting us to each other.”

Craver said the reasoning behind the theme of finding purpose is to help give some peace to those struggling with the current COVID-19 pandemic.

“We wanted to find a way to unite our HSU Family during these times,” he said. “Knowing one’s purpose can bring a sense of peace and serenity in ways that can lead to a purpose-driven life. The meaning and purpose of life come not from focusing on the self but from knowing and working with the author of life, namely God.”

Craver said he spends time with God every day, reminding himself of the verse Psalm 91:4 for comfort: “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings, you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”

As Christians, Craver says, it is important to continue to be thankful.

“Gratitude is a virtue most worthy of our cultivation,” he said. “In the Christian life, gratitude is to be planted, watered, dressed, and harvested. Gratitude gets at the very essence of what it means to be created, finite, fallen, redeemed, and sustained by the God of all grace.”

For anyone struggling with letting go of worries, anxiety, or stress during this time, Craver recommends several options.

“I think taking breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media, can help. Spend uninterrupted time with God. Taking care of our bodies is another key…” Craver said. “Beginning the day with gratitude, getting into routines, making a daily schedule, and getting a good night’s sleep. Going outside, and eating healthy can help alleviate the anxiety we may feel.”

Another verse Craver turns to for comfort is Psalm 18:28, “You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.”

To watch the HSU Together daily devotionals, visit the Hardin-Simmons Youtube channel.