“As a dream when one wakes, so, Lord, when you awake, you will despise them as fantasies.”– Psalms 73:20
Psalms 73:20 Meaning
This verse from Psalms 73 touches on the fleeting nature of life and the fragility of human arrogance and pride. When we refer to a dream, it conveys the idea that dreams can be vivid and impactful during the night. Yet, when morning comes and we wake up, those dreams often fade away, losing their significance. Just like dreams, the thoughts, ambitions, and pursuits of the wicked can ultimately be realized as mere fantasies when we see them in the light of God’s truth.
In the context of this verse, it implies that when God “awakens,” or when His plans come to fruition, He will render the misguided ambitions of the wicked inconsequential. The comparison draws attention to the reality that the things we chase after — money, fame, power — can feel so significant while we are pursuing them. However, in the grand picture of God’s purpose, they can be as insignificant as a morning dream. This encourages us to reflect on the things we value most in our lives. Are they grounded in eternal significance or temporary gain?
Psalms 73:20 Commentary and Explanation
This verse carries a profound lesson about our perception of success and what truly matters. We live in a world that often rewards the wicked — they may appear prosperous and untroubled, while the righteous face challenges and trials. This can lead to confusion and frustration. We may feel like Asaph, the psalmist, who is expressing his struggle with these feelings earlier in the chapter. He sees the success of the wicked and questions why the faithful seem to suffer. But here, in verse 20, we are reminded that their triumphs are temporary.
When God “wakes up,” it signifies an awakening of divine justice. Throughout Scripture, we see that God does not leave any injustice or wrongdoing unaddressed for long. In fact, there are other verses which remind us that God’s justice will prevail. Consider Galatians 6:7, where we read, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” Here, God assures us that every action has consequences, a theme that resonates with the message of Psalms 73:20.
This notion promotes a sense of hope. While the wicked may seem to thrive for a season, it is essential to remember that their perceived success and the pain of the righteous are only part of the narrative. In the end, God’s ultimate purpose will reveal what has true value. We have to hold on to faith that in due time, God’s truth will emerge, and all fantasies and deceit will fade away.
Context of Psalms 73:20
Psalms 73 is a strong proclamation of doubt and eventual realization. The psalmist, Asaph, opens with a struggle — why do the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer? He reflects on their lives, seeking to comprehend how it can be that those who turn away from God achieve success. He becomes envious of their positions, feeling troubled in his spirit. Throughout the psalm, Asaph moves from doubt to acknowledgment of God’s ultimate sovereignty.
This journey makes the verse particularly significant. It transitions from a point of doubt to the truth in the wake of divine justice, encouraging us to reflect on how we view our struggles compared to the apparent success of those who do not follow God. The moment of “waking” represents God’s intervention in our lives, a reassurance that nothing escapes His notice. It speaks about a time when His righteousness will be established, and the imagination of the wicked will dissolve, illustrating that once we see things through God’s perspective, everything will appear different.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Psalms 73:20
Firstly, it is essential to recognize the vivid imagery of “a dream” in the beginning of the verse. Dreams are often full of emotion, they can be colorful, vibrant and feel real in the moment. However, as we wake up, we understand that those dreams are not reflective of reality. This reflection applies similarly to the prosperity of the wicked; while it may feel real, it’s not who they genuinely are in God’s eyes. This invites us to wonder about the important questions of what is truly valuable and significant when God reveals His ultimate plans.
Next, the term “awake” denotes an awakening to reality. It illustrates the idea that God is undoubtedly aware of all that is happening. When He chooses to act, it is a moment of clarity that brings illumination to what may seem confusing. This not only reassures us of God’s involvement in the world but also cultivates our faith. It reminds us that God’s timing may not be our own, however, He holds genuine power and authority, transcending human perception.
Lastly, the depiction of the “fantasies” of the wicked is crucial. It underscores the idea that what appears substantial, in fact, lacks a solid foundation. It tells us about the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits. When everything is said and done, prosperity based on pride, greed, and injustice lacks value before God. All of this prompts us to evaluate our lives and the foundations upon which we build our hopes and dreams. Are we dependent on the Lord and His plans for us, or are we laboring for treasures that do not last?
Lessons From Psalms 73:20
In reflecting upon Psalms 73:20, we can glean several lessons for our own lives. To begin, we should always remember the temporary nature of worldly success and riches. They come and go, often leaving us with emptiness if we hold onto them too tightly. The story of the rich young ruler (found in Mark 10:17-27) serves as a reminder that worldly gain can blind us to what is essential – our relationship with God.
This passage also teaches us about God’s nature. He is just, and there will be a reckoning for every action taken in life, whether it seems right or wrong on the surface. As believers, we must embrace patience, knowing that in God’s timing, truth and justice will prevail. In Romans 12:19, we are encouraged not to repay evil for evil but to leave room for God’s wrath; we can trust that He will do what is right.
Lastly, this verse promotes self-reflection. It invites us to evaluate our lives critically. Are we chasing after dreams and ambitions that align with God’s purpose? Are we anchored in faith or swayed by what we see around us? This can help us realign our priorities to focus on what God considers valuable. Remember, the aspirations that develop our character and draw us closer to Him are more valuable than any earthly success.
Final Thoughts
Psalms 73:20 serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of worldly pursuits. It encapsulates the misconceptions we often hold about success and what truly matters in life. As we read through this psalm, we are called to shift our perspective and realize that what may seem significant in our lives fades compared to God’s ultimate plan. His justice is assured, His timing is perfect, and His insights reveal a truth that goes beyond human understanding.
As we navigate our challenges and witness the success of those who seem to get ahead without God’s guidance, we must take heart and encourage ourselves in faith. This psalm points us gently back toward embracing what’s everlasting and nurturing our relationship with God. For those who have ever felt doubt, encouraged by Asaph’s journey in this chapter, we can find solace in knowing that even when we struggle, God is intimately aware and will bring resolution to every circumstance.
If you would like to explore more about how to navigate challenges in life, you might find interest in Bible verses about stress or how to find patience in hard times through Bible verses about patience in hard times. Understanding God’s promises can truly reshape our perspective and guide us on the path of righteousness.