"For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust." — Psalm 103:14 (ESV)
A Moment I Didn't Expect
The other day, I was listening to my Bible app while getting ready. I had reached the book of Psalms and was simply enjoying letting God's Word fill my heart as I went about my morning.
Then, one particular psalm reminded me of my brother. I found myself reflecting on his life and all the ways God has been at work. One thought naturally led to another, and before I even realized what had happened, my mind had wandered.
A few moments later, I suddenly realized something: the Bible was still playing. At least two entire psalms had been read, and I hadn’t heard a single word.
If you have ADHD, you’ve likely experienced this. It isn’t intentional. It just... happens. My first reaction was guilt. I almost reached over to rewind the audio because I felt like I had somehow failed at spending time with God.
Before I could finish that thought, the Holy Spirit gently whispered to my heart: "I understand your ADHD."
It wasn’t an audible voice, but it was one of those moments where you simply know the Lord has spoken. In that instant, I felt incredibly loved—not because I had done anything right, not because I had managed to stay perfectly focused, but because God reminded me that He knows exactly how He created me.
He wasn’t surprised that my thoughts wandered. He wasn’t disappointed. He wasn’t keeping score. He simply understood. For a moment, I stopped seeing my wandering mind through the lens of guilt and started seeing it through the eyes of grace.
And perhaps someone reading this today needs to hear those same words: God understands your ADHD.
God Knows How Your Mind Works
If you don't have ADHD, it can be difficult to understand what it's like. For me, it’s not that I don’t want to pay attention—quite the opposite. I can sit down with every intention of reading God's Word, listening to a sermon, or praying without distraction, but my thoughts often take a detour before I even realize it.
It’s not because I don’t love God. It’s simply how my brain is wired.
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain regulates attention, focus, and executive function. Despite the name, people with ADHD don't have a "deficit" of attention; we often struggle with directing our attention where we want it to go. Sometimes focusing feels impossible, while at other times, we become so hyper-focused on one thing that we lose track of everything else.
A Personal Health Decision
If you’ve been following my health journey, you know it’s been quite a season. I’ve been dealing with an unusually high heart rate and elevated blood pressure. A medical professional mentioned that my ADHD medication might be contributing to both.
After much prayer and consideration, I made the personal decision to stop taking my medication. For me, my health took precedence. And something unexpected happened: I realized I actually prefer myself unmedicated.
I want to be clear: this is my story. I am not suggesting everyone should stop taking medication. It can be an incredible blessing, and treatment is a deeply personal decision that should be made with your healthcare provider. Whether you are medicated or unmedicated, one thing never changes: God's love for you remains exactly the same.
The God Who Created You Understands You
One of my favorite passages is Psalm 139: "For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother's womb... I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." (vv. 13–14)
God didn't accidentally create you. He intentionally formed you. He knows every detail—your strengths, your weaknesses, your personality, and every thought that bounces from one place to another. Nothing about you surprises Him.
Psalm 103:14 reminds us: "For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust."
He knows you sometimes have to reread a passage three times before it sinks in. He knows your prayers take the scenic route. He knows your attention drifts in church even when your heart longs to hear His Word. None of that changes how He feels about you.
God Sees What Others Can't
When Samuel went to anoint Israel’s next king, God gave him a truth that still comforts me today: "For the Lord sees not as man sees... the Lord looks on the heart." — 1 Samuel 16:7
People notice what happens on the outside. God sees what is happening on the inside. Others may see someone distracted; God sees someone who longs to know Him. Others may misunderstand ADHD; God never does. He sees your heart, and that is what matters most.
Peter, Martha, and the Gentle Heart of Jesus
I love that the Bible doesn’t hide the personalities of those God used. While Scripture doesn’t label anyone with ADHD, I find myself relating to Peter and Martha.
Peter was passionate, impulsive, and often spoke before he thought. Yet, Jesus never rejected him. Instead, He patiently taught, shaped, and transformed him into a pillar of the early church.
Then there is Martha. When Jesus visited her home, she was "distracted with much serving" (Luke 10:40). Jesus didn’t shame her; He gently redirected her: "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things." (v. 41). Can you hear the tenderness in His voice? He wasn’t harsh; He was lovingly inviting her back to what mattered most.
That is how Jesus meets us. When our minds wander, He doesn't roll His eyes or grow frustrated. He gently invites us back. Again and again.
If You Don't Have ADHD
If you don't have ADHD, I hope you’ll continue reading. Chances are, someone you love does—a spouse, a child, a friend, or someone sitting in your church pew.
The hardest part of ADHD is that the struggle is often invisible. Please remember: people with ADHD aren't trying to be distracted, interrupt, or be forgetful. Many are working twice as hard just to accomplish what comes naturally to others.
One of the greatest gifts you can give is understanding. Instead of assuming they are careless, offer grace. Instead of frustration, choose patience. The Apostle Paul wrote: "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Your encouragement is a lifeline.
Every Person Is Loved by God
Whether we live with chronic pain, anxiety, or ADHD, our struggles never change our value in God’s eyes. As Romans 8:38–39 reminds us, nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God. That includes the way your brain works.
God doesn't just see our challenges; He sees the gifts He placed within us. The same passion that can cause an ADHD brain to "stumble" can also be the very thing God uses to build His Kingdom. He didn't create all of us to think alike. The Body of Christ is beautiful because it is made up of people who are wonderfully different.
Even When Your Mind Wanders...
If you’ve ever felt guilty for not being able to focus, or wondered if God gets frustrated with you, remember: your attention span does not determine God’s affection for you.
He isn’t waiting for you to become "less ADHD" before He enjoys spending time with you. He already delights in you because you belong to Him.
Application The next time your thoughts drift during prayer or Bible study, don't beat yourself up or believe the lie that you have disappointed God. Simply come back. He isn't keeping score; He is inviting you into a relationship.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for knowing us completely and loving us perfectly. Thank You that You created each of us with intention. Nothing about us—not our strengths, our weaknesses, or the way our minds work—surprises You.
When we become discouraged by our lack of focus, help us to see ourselves through Your eyes of grace. Remind us that our relationship with You is not measured by our ability to concentrate, but by the finished work of Jesus Christ.
Help us to see the gifts You've placed within us—our creativity, our passion, and our unique perspectives—and show us how to use them for Your glory. For those who don't struggle with this, give them patient hearts to encourage and love those who do.
Thank You that nothing can separate us from Your love. And thank You that even when our minds wander... You never do.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
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