Psalm 73:20-24 (CB)

Like a dream when one awakes, O Lord, when you rouse yourself, you despise them as phantoms. When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart, I was brutish and ignorant; I was like a beast toward you. Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.

Asaph realized that the rich who put their hope, joy, and confidence in their wealth live in a dreamworld. A dream exists only in the mind of the dreamer. Don’t let your life’s goals be so unreal that you awaken too late and miss the reality of God’s truth. Having happiness and hope can be a reality, but only when they are based on God, not on riches. Because reality is in God, we should get as close to him as we can in order to be realistic about life. Asaph declares his confidence in God’s presence and guidance. From birth to death, God has us continually in his grip. But far more, we have hope in the Resurrection. Though our courage and strength may fail, we know that one day we will be raised to life to serve him forever. God provides our security and our eternal life, so we must cling to him.