A Sanctified Memory
A sanctified memory is a rich cabinet of precious thoughts of God that a Christian cultivates through laying up high and holy thoughts.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the significance of maintaining a sanctified memory filled with precious thoughts of God, as expressed in Psalm 139:17-18. He highlights that the psalmist cherished God's thoughts, valuing them above all else, and encourages Christians to continually enrich their minds with high, noble, and comforting thoughts of God's nature and attributes. A sanctified memory serves as a treasure trove for believers, allowing them to draw strength and solace from their reflections on God's power, wisdom, and compassion.
Text
"How precious also are your thoughts unto me, O God!
how great is the sum of them! if I should count them,
they are more in number than the sand--when I awake,
I am still with You." Psalm 139:17-18
The psalmist had very frequent, high, precious, and
honorable thoughts of God; he valued nothing at so
high a rate as sweet and noble thoughts of God, and
of His power, wisdom, goodness, faithfulness, and
graciousness.
A sanctified memory is a rich cabinet full of the choicest
thoughts of God; it is that rich treasury wherein a Christian
is still laying up . . .
more and more precious thoughts of God,
more and more high and holy thoughts of God,
more and more honorable and noble thoughts of God,
more and more solemn and reverent thoughts of God,
more and more sweet and comfortable thoughts of God,
more and more tender and compassionate thoughts of God.
Sermon Outline
- A Sanctified Memory
- The Importance of a Sanctified Memory
- How to Cultivate a Sanctified Memory
- Laying up precious thoughts of God
- Increasing high and holy thoughts of God
- A treasury of precious thoughts of God
Key Quotes
“A sanctified memory is a rich cabinet full of the choicest thoughts of God; it is that rich treasury wherein a Christian is still laying up more and more precious thoughts of God.” — Thomas Brooks
“How great is the sum of them! if I should count them, they are more in number than the sand--when I awake, I am still with You.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Value thoughts of God above all else, as the psalmist did.
- Cultivate a rich treasury of precious thoughts of God by laying up thoughts of God's power, wisdom, goodness, faithfulness, and graciousness.
- Increase high and holy thoughts of God to deepen your relationship with Him.