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Psalm 139:19-22  
If only you, God, would slay the wicked! Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty! They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name. Do I not hate those who hate you, LORD, and abhor those who are in rebellion against you? I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.

Religious extremists behead innocent people and video their evil acts for the world to see. Christians are herded like animals, marched to the edge of town and executed. Believers around the world are persecuted because they refuse to renounce their faith. Wicked, bloodthirsty people desire to destroy everyone and everything associated with God. How are we to respond?

David had such passion for God that he could not stay quiet about his feelings toward the wicked. He saw God’s enemies as his enemies. He knew they were intent on damaging the kingdom. His hatred was a boiling, righteous indignation as a result of seeing God being dishonored.

When Jesus saw the worship of God being turned into a moneymaking scheme, He made a whip of cords and drove the culprits from the temple. The disciples remembered the words of David, “for zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult you fall on me” (Psalm 69:9). David could not stand by emotionless as God was being insulted. Neither should we.

Father, stir my indignation for the things that oppose You. Help me to respond with love and conviction, gentleness and passion. Don’t let me be silent when others insult You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.