you, bring rooted and grounded

The first half of 1Sam23 is a great lesson on doubt. When we think of doubt, we see it as the opposite of faith. We point to Jesus talking to Thomas and think of it as a reprimand against doubt. We see Jesus talking to Peter on the sea and think of it as another example of a Jesus incredulous at the lack of faith of a disciple. And then when we have questions about our faith, we wonder whether we've lost the entirety of what we believe because we have a single question.

When in our understanding of faith did we get to the point where an ounce of doubt outweighed a pound of faith?

In 1Sam23, David asks the Lord whether or not he should attack the Philistines, and the Lord tells him absolutely. But when David's men express some doubt, it causes some doubt in David and so he returns to the Lord and asks Him once again if he should attack the Philistines. God does NOT rebuke David. Instead, the Lord confirms His original command, and reassures David that the Philistines will be delivered into his hand. This is reminiscent of Gideon's multiple mat testing in Judges.

Revisit doubting Thomas. Jesus doesn't yell at Thomas. He doesn't question Thomas' doubt. He merely instructs him that it is so much better to believe without having that belief confirmed. Upon that water, Jesus doesn't cast aside Peter for his doubt. He merely wants to understand why Peter would have doubt when Jesus can do all things, and has shown as much to Peter time and again.

The Lord desires us to have this amazing faith that wavers not. But He certainly doesn't hold it against us when we do wobble. See, liar wants you to think that a single doubt can undermine the entirety of what you hold dear. But 1Sam23 tells us that, no, the Lord doesn't turn Himself off just because we needed some additional confirmation. Like Christ on the water, He is there to hold your hand, to hold you steady, to ask "Are you sure you're okay?" before He lets you go.