We are not joyful and full of thanksgiving because of our misdirected vision. We spend our days only looking at ourselves, or our tragically fallen world, or at others (constantly concerned about what they think of us.)
We must lift our gaze. The secret to joy is a constant look at the Father, Son, and Spirit. We are to "set our mind,” Paul said, "on the things above, NOT on the things that are on the earth” (Colossians 3:1-3).
This was the secret to David’s joy. This is why David said in Psalm 145, "Every day I will bless you.” And notice, in this glorious Psalm, why David’s heart was so full of praise.
When he focused his eyes above, this is what he saw. He saw God was …
great
full of mighty acts
glorious in the splendor of His majesty
full of wonderful works
powerful in His awesome acts
abundant in goodness
righteous
gracious
merciful
slow to anger
great in lovingkindness
good to all
merciful over all His works
He reigns in a glorious, everlasting kingdom
His dominion endures throughout all generations
He sustains all who fall and raises up all who are bowed down.
He gives food to those who look to Him in due time
He opens His hand and satisfies the desire of every living thing
He is righteous in all His ways
kind in all His deeds
near to all who call upon Him in truth
He fulfills the desire of those who fear Him
He hears our cry and saves us
He will keep all those who love Him and destroy the wicked
Read this list over and over again as David recites just 25 of the glorious things He sees as he looks at God. Now think carefully: How would you feel if this filled your mind every single day? What would it do to your soul if it was your constant diet (not the trivia of human entertainment or the screens of social media)? Our lack of joy is not God’s problem; it is our misguided vision. This is one of the reason why it is important to begin your day in reading, meditating, and praying His Word. It recalculates our thinking.
Right now, look at Him. Pray Psalm 145 back to the Father, pausing in wonder at the multi-faceted nature of the One-who-loves-us-and-gave-His-Son-for-us. How could you not bless the Lord and "praise Him forever and ever?”