1 Chronicles 29

Thus David the son of Jesse reigned over all Israel. And the period that he reigned over Israel was forty years; seven years he reigned in Hebron, and thirty-three years he reigned in Jerusalem. So he died in a good old age, full of days and riches and honor; and Solomon his son reigned in his place.

(1Ch 29:26-28)

What an ending to an incredible life. David himself would have never expected his days to turn out looking like this, for the Lord did EXCEEDINGLY beyond anything David could have ever imagined. Think back to David during the reign of Saul. Running through the wilderness, living in caves, afraid for his life… So many times he thought he would die out their, questioning just WHAT Samuel had been thinking when he anointed him as king. There was time spent in enemy territory, acting like a crazy man; time spent pretending to FIGHT ISRAEL! There was the incident at Ziklag, when his mighty men turned on him and wanted to stone him… Yet the Lord took all of that and gave beauty for ashes, replacing his mourning with JOY!

In the end he died at a good old age, full of days, riches and honor. The Lord had blessed David’s life beyond measure. What a reminder that the Lord knows so much more about us and what He is doing in and through us than we do. The Lord knew the end from the beginning, but David didn’t. What about you? Maybe you’re in the wilderness thinking your life is going to end up being worthless… trust the Lord. He knows what He is doing, if you keep your eyes on Him you will come through the fire refined and shining like PURE GOLD.