David Lykken, Emeritus Professor at the University of Minnesota, has developed what he calls a "set point" theory of happiness. He contends that most people return to their previous level of happiness within 6 months to a year after dramatic events like the sorrow of losing a loved one or the thrill of moving into a dream home. He calls that original reference point of happiness their "set point."

The Christian, however, has a different kind of "set point"—one that does not depend on the normal highs and lows of human experience. The Bible tells us to find our joy and sense of well-being in the unchanging God rather than in our changing circumstances. The psalmist David praised the Lord, saying, "You have put gladness in my heart, more than in the season that their grain and wine increased" (4:7). He had a source of joy that was not tied to economic prosperity. In fact, the gladness God gave him was greater than that from any financial windfall.

We will have the same experience as the psalmist when we stop saying, "I would be happier if . . . ," and begin affirming, "I am thankful to God because . . . ." Joy that is centered in our unchanging God, no matter what our circumstances, should be the Christian's "set point."  — David C. McCasland