ADHD isn’t the same as laziness. But when I’ve tried all day to accomplish something and just can’t stay focused, all the verses from Proverbs that talk about the lazy person come to mind. And try as I might, it’s hard to avoid comparing the inability to focus to the sin of laziness. After all, how are they different if the outcome is the same?

The difference is in the attitude your heart. ADHD is a disability. Laziness, however, is the attitude that you don’t care about a task, so you’re giving it a half-hearted effort. God knows your heart. He knows you’re fighting against your own brain to get the job done. So be encouraged that struggling to stay on task is not the same as laziness.

I have found that practical actions, such as writing my tasks down, breaking tasks into small chunks, and taking breaks go a long way to help me get the job done. Whatever you do, don’t give up. Keep up the good fight and leave the rest up to God. In context, the following verse refers to prayer more than staying on-task. But I think the principle is the same.

Matthew 7:7-8

Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. (NLT)