Encouragement

Self Control and ADHD

If you have ADHD, you most likely feel that you don’t have much self control. If you are more prone to hyperactivity, sitting still for a length of time can be torture. If you are prone to inattentiveness (like me), trying to stay on-task can be a nightmare.

I’ve often wondered how the fruit of the spirit of self control works in the life of someone with ADHD. I read Galations 5:22-23 and wonder, where’s mine?

I think the answer is this. In spite of my brain working against me on a second-by-second basis, I manage to get through the day, do my job, survive. Maybe not as efficiently as someone else, but I get by. I suspect that self control is at work in me. Maybe, I even have more self-control than someone without ADHD. Most people don’t have their brains fighting them every step of the way. We do.

Galations 5:22-23 (NIV)

But the fruit of the Spirit is … self control.

Take stock of what you accomplish in spite of your ADHD. You’re not like most people. And what you get done is amazing. The Lord knows what you’re going through, and He’s on your side.

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Procrastination

Why I Procrastinate – Part 2

The second reason I procrastinate is usually because it’s a task I hate. If it’s something I despise, I have an extremely difficult time staying focused on the task. But while I can’t get myself to start tasks I hate, I can hyperfocus for hours on something that keeps my interest. So how do I get around it?

Luke 12:34
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Think of “interest” as a synonym for “heart.” We folks with ADD tend to follow our hearts wherever they lead us. So what I try to do is convince myself of the value of the task. I visualize the good that will come from completing the task and make that my treasure. And often, my heart (interest) follows. When there’s something you can’t get yourself to do, fix your heart on the reward for getting it done.

See you on Monday for the next devotional.

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Forgiveness, Regret

Regrets

This is on my heart this morning. As a person with ADHD,  I have a lot of regrets. I’ve said stupid things on impulse, words I can never take back. I’m tortured with thoughts of what could have been, had I only applied myself. Focused more.

Do you have regret? Are you suffering consequences for mistakes and sins from which you have long ago repented? Things you just can’t undo?

Take heart. The Lord is bigger than your mistakes.

Joel 2:25

And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.

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Procrastination

Why I Procrastinate – Part 1

Procrastination. It’s the bane of all who suffer ADHD.  I’ve found there’s two main reasons I put things off. The first is a feeling that I just can’t do it. I see the messy office, the stacks of to-do lists, piles of laundry, and feel overwhelmed. Powerless. And it’s easier to just walk away. But I’ve taken encouragement in this verse:

Phillipians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Read that verse in different versions. It means exactly what it says. When I feel like I just can’t tackle the paperwork, or anything,  I remind myself that I can rely on the strength of Christ.

We’ll talk about the second reason I procrastinate tomorrow.

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Encouragement

Tired of fighting your brain?

Having ADHD, I feel that I’m always fighting my brain just to get anything done. I get tired of keeping my eyes from following the latest shiny object. Distractability is a weakness I’m always fighting.

What’s your weakness? You’re not alone if you have one. Even the Apostle Paul had weaknesses. Take encouragement from this verse and let the Lord amaze you with what He can do despite, or even because of, your weaknesses.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV)

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

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