Last week, I began the 21-Day Meditation Experience: Hope in Uncertain Times with Deepak Chopra and Oprah. I had already read Deepak’s “Digital Dharma.” My goal was to find the scriptural reflections of these universal truths, so I used Google Gemini to locate Bible verses that matched the teachings from my meditations. Although this is a 21-day meditation program, the insights from Week 1 were so powerful that I felt called to share my reflections.

I realized that life is a continuous process of growth and self-discovery, often referred to as personal evolution. It’s a journey from one state of being to another, marked by increased self-awareness, purpose, and fulfillment. At the core of this evolution is the need for individuals to commit to understanding and living from their true selves.

I read Deepak Chopra’s Digital Dharma earlier this year. ‘Dharma’ means purpose or universal law, relevant in the digital age. It guides a living mindfully and meaningfully, using technology for personal growth rather than distraction. The same principles of self-awareness, compassion, and purpose apply in our digital world.

Hope is My Rock: The Unshakeable Power of an Awakened Spirit

We often talk about hope as a fragile thing, a whispered wish, or a faint light at the end of a very long tunnel. Hope is not just a feeling. It is a power source—real, tangible, and available to us every single day?

My hope isn’t passive; it’s a force, my rock, the foundation of my strength and security. In a world of shifting sands, this inner fortress helps me stand firm. It’s about engaging with life, not wishing for a miracle. As Psalm 62:6 says, “Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” Another verse affirms this: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psalm 18:2 NIV).

The Power of Awakened Hope

Passive hope waits, saying, “I hope things get better.” True hope—making you strong and secure—is proactive. It comes from self-awareness, knowing your strengths, values, and connection to something greater. Understanding yourself reveals your capacity to act, influence, and create. This scripture beautifully reminds us that “faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1 NIV), encouraging us to trust even when we can’t see the full picture.

This active hope helps us face each day with a fresh outlook. As the sun rises, we get a new chance to start again. Hope renews life daily, helping us leave yesterday’s burdens and embrace today’s opportunities. “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV)

This hope inspires our actions, as Paul reminds us: “…your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 1:3 NIV). It’s a hope that renews us: “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 NIV).

Gratitude: The Fuel for Hope

There is a link between gratitude and hope: the more grateful you are, the more hopeful you become. Gratitude involves appreciating what you have, building trust in a benevolent universe and shifting focus from lack to abundance. This mental shift fosters hope, as giving thanks trains your spirit to see the good already present and believe in future goodness. As 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Finding a Reason to Hope in Every Situation

The ultimate expression of awakened hope is finding a reason to hope in every situation. It’s a courageous choice to see opportunity and purpose amid challenge. Hope doesn’t depend on perfection but on lessons, growth, and endurance in the moment. It isn’t conditional on circumstances; it’s a fundamental, always-available part of you. For “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NIV). This view sees suffering as character-building: “we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3-4 NIV).

Fear: The Illusion, Awareness: The Reality

On our journey to hope, fear tries to hold us back by whispering doubts and painting worst-case scenarios, trying to make us believe we’re powerless. But here’s a truth: Fear isn’t real. My awareness is.

Fear is a mental construct, a reaction to perceived threats and an illusion. Our awareness is the essence of our being—constant and observant. Tapping into it reveals that fear is a fleeting emotion, not a fundamental truth.

Uncertainty is neutral, simply the unknown where anything is possible. Our life depends on how we react. Without hope, uncertainty paralyzes us, making us weak and afraid. With hope, it becomes a canvas for courage and a crucible where our best selves are forged.

In hope, I am fearless. As declared in Psalms 27:1 (NIV) “The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” This hope is a call to action: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NIV). This hope serves as “an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” (Hebrews 6:19 NIV).

You Are the Wholeness of Existence

This profound hope stems from a deeper truth: I am the wholeness of a universal existence. We are not isolated fragments, but integral, interconnected parts of a vast, intelligent universe. When we truly grasp this, we realize that we are never alone, never truly separated.

And when you are real—authentic, present, and connected to this universal truth—you unlock infinite hope. Where there are infinite possibilities, there is infinite hope. Hope isn’t just a feeling; it’s a fundamental part of consciousness itself—a conscious choice to see potential in every moment. The universe provides us what we need, not always what we want, but exactly what serves our highest growth. As the Scripture promises: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19 NIV). He has “plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).

This realization gives me every hope imaginable. It’s an unshakeable confidence that comes from knowing my place in the cosmic tapestry and trusting in the unfolding journey. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13 NIV).

References

• Chopra, D. (2013). Digital Dharma: Living a Spiritual Life in a Material World. Harmony.
• Chopra, D. (n.d.). 21-Day Meditation Experience: Hope in Uncertain Times. Retrieved from https://www.deepakchopra.com
• Google. (2025). Gemini [Large language model]. Retrieved September 7, 2025, from https://gemini.google.com
• Psalm 62:6
• Psalm 18:2
• Hebrews 11:1
• Lamentations 3:22-23
• 1 Thessalonians 1:3
• Isaiah 40:31
• 1 Thessalonians 5:18
• Romans 8:28
• Romans 5:3-4
• Psalm 27:1
• Joshua 1:9
• Hebrews 6:19
• Philippians 4:19
• Jeremiah 29:11
• Romans 15:13