Spiritual ADHD

Written by stacy

** Need a mentor to encourage you in your spiritual life? Ask us! http://christianwomentoday.com/chat/ask_spirituality.html

by Marilyn Ehle

“God is at work within you, helping you want to obey Him, and then helping you do what He wants” (Philippians 2:13, Living Bible).

The medical profession describes children or youth with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder—a developmental and behavioral disorder—as displaying some or most of the following symptoms: unable to stay focused on tasks, listen to and follow directions; distracted easily; often avoids, dislikes or doesn’t want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time; displays compulsive and disruptive behavior; lacks self-control.

Parents and educators are frustrated when faced with such challenges and seek methods to help these children cope with a world that often seems daunting and beyond their abilities to cope. Experts in many fields have discovered ways to bring help and comfort to these children (and their parents!) through a variety of programs.

But as I look at the long list of symptoms, I sadly reflect that many of those descriptions fit my walk with God. And I, too, can become discouraged when I find my personal world and the larger one around me complicated, unnerving and even frightening. Fortunately, God has a diagnosis and a solution for my disorder.

He asks that I first acknowledge my wandering mind, lack of focus, need for self-control, and then take appropriate steps for healing. I may need to ask others for advice on how to be quiet before God for extended periods of time. Perhaps I need to become part of a small group that emphasizes the kind of Bible reading, prayer and meditation that helps one focus. Learning to be spiritually disciplined takes time as well as action on my part, but God gives His Holy Spirit to provide all that I need to become all that He desires for me to be.

~ Lord, I acknowledge that I am too weak to tackle my situation all on my own. I desperately need Your help, but show me just the right people to also be part of my “treatment plan.” Thank You for Your abiding love in spite of all my weakness.

Questions to Ponder and Discuss: Which symptoms of “spiritual ADHD” are most discouraging to you? What tools do you think God has provided to make you stronger and less apt to be discouraged? What are three steps you can take this week to move you on the road to recovery?

Today’s Chat: Join us for a 15-minute chat about this devotional at 10:30 am Eastern, 7:30 am Pacific: http://www.christianwomentoday.com/chat/

Related Reading: “Miss Independent” http://christianwomentoday.com/growth/missindependent.html

About the Author: http://www.talk.thelife.com/authors/marilyn-ehle/

5 Responses to “Spiritual ADHD”

Loading comments
Tracy says:

March 20, 2007 at 3:20 am

Wow once again this reading has hit the nail on the head. thats me down to a t. I know God will see me through the times I am distracted but its hard to wait for that time. I guess thata the impatience showing through.
Thanks again
Tracy
Chris says:

March 19, 2007 at 10:46 am

I, too, can relate to this devational. I lack disipline when it comes to my time with GOD. I just pray that HE will see me throu this and forgive me for having spiritial “ADHD”
Patti says:

March 19, 2007 at 8:50 am

I can certainly identify with the “lack of focus” at least for a long period of time. I sometimes ask my self when this started in my life, but know it has been going on for a long time. Are there groups, or study helps for this? I always thought it was more of a personal thing, and something I needed to deal with – between me and God alone. Like Remi I long to explode for my King, but do not truly know what is lacking to bring this about. If anyone has any advice or help programs, I am open to them.
Remi says:

March 19, 2007 at 6:16 am

O yes, you’re just right. So many times i feel that I’m living below the standard of my many christian years and I’ll love to explode for my KING but then how to go about it seems so intimidating and daunting that i feel so unworthy and even fear lest GOD should cut me off. But I love HIM and wants to do HIS will Above all things.
Jenny says:

March 19, 2007 at 5:21 am

I can relate to these words so much. My mind and heart seem to wander a lot. I REALLY lack discipline when it comes to my time with God and that is what I struggle with the most. I’ve found that having people in my life to push me, encourage me and hold me accountable is what helps me the most. Regardless of that it all comes down to the choices I make.
When I feel I have that “eternal perspective” my time with God flourishes but then as soon as something in life comes along I lose vision and perspective and with that God looses my focus. I think that’s something that is a lifelong battle for any Christian. It can be overcome though!