1 Samuel 23:1-5: in context

When David hears that the Philistines are raiding the town of Keilah, he inquires of the LORD whether he should go and attack them. God says to go and save Keilah. But David's men are afraid: we are already afraid here in Judah, they say; how much more if we go against the Philistine armies at Keilah? So David inquires of the LORD again. And God answers again, patiently confirming: arise, go down to Keilah, for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand. Reassured, David goes and delivers the town.

What stands out here is David's inquiring of the LORD a second time, and God's patient confirmation. David had already asked and received God's word to go. But when his men expressed fear and doubt, David did not simply override them or press ahead in his own confidence; he went back to God and inquired again, seeking confirmation of the word he had received. And God did not rebuke him for asking again, or refuse to answer; he patiently confirmed his guidance, giving David the added assurance he and his men needed. God met their fear and doubt with gracious reassurance. This shows us something of God's patience with our fear and uncertainty. When God has guided us, and yet fear or doubt arises, whether our own or others', we may, like David, seek God's confirmation, asking him to reassure us of his word. And God is patient with such asking. He does not despise the fearful heart that seeks confirmation; he graciously reassures those who ask, meeting their doubt and fear with the added assurance they need. When Gideon, uncertain, asked God for a sign, and then asked again, God patiently granted it; God bears with our need for reassurance. If any of you lacks wisdom, James says, let him ask of God, who gives generously and without reproach. God does not reproach the one who seeks his guidance and confirmation. This is a comfort for the fearful and uncertain. When we are afraid or doubtful about a course, even one we believe God has shown us, we need not simply press ahead in anxiety or abandon it in fear; we may seek God's confirmation, asking him to reassure us, and trust that he is patient with our asking, gracious to confirm his guidance to those who seek it. God met David's renewed inquiry with renewed assurance; and he meets our fear and uncertainty with gracious reassurance when we seek it. This calls us to seek God's guidance and confirmation, especially when we are afraid, trusting his patience. David inquired again when fear arose, and God patiently confirmed his word; and we too may seek God's confirmation when we are fearful or uncertain, asking him to reassure us of his guidance, and trusting that he does not reproach the asking but graciously reassures those who seek it, meeting our fear and doubt with the assurance we need to go forward in obedience.

When I am afraid or doubtful about a course, even one I believe God has shown me, do I press ahead anxiously or abandon it in fear, or can David, who inquired of the LORD again when his men were afraid and received God's patient confirmation, teach me to seek God's guidance and reassurance when I am fearful or uncertain, trusting that he does not reproach the asking but graciously confirms his guidance to those who seek it, meeting my fear with the assurance I need?