Chris recently shared in his blog that setting aside distractions is important, as well as creating space to meet with God. For those with ADHD, just sitting still can feel like an Olympic task. Mind-wandering isn’t a bug in your brain—it’s part of how God wired it. Solitude doesn’t need to be blank; it’s about creating space where God’s voice can reach us amidst the activity of our minds.
My ADHD Journey Toward Solitude
At first, I told myself I’d do just five minutes. Predictably, that turned into forty-five minutes—not because I felt more present, but because I felt like I failed. My brain wouldn’t settle. I’d get up, do what I saw needed to be done, then return thinking, Oh yes—sorry God.
I discovered the Abide app—a guided meditation rooted in Scripture—which helped me enter a moment rather than expecting my brain to land there. I began facing a blank wall to curb visual distractions and always kept a notepad nearby. Writing down intrusive thoughts didn’t pull me away—it freed me to return to God more deeply.
Why This Approach Works (Research + Scripture)
ADHD brains aren’t broken—they’re just wired to stay active in the default mode network (DMN), especially during downtime. Studies show that those with ADHD have more fluctuating or elevated DMN activity, which leads to mind-wandering during tasks (Cambridge University Press).
“Offloading” thoughts—writing them down—has been shown to reduce working memory load, freeing our mental capacity for the moment at hand (OT4ADHD).
Scripture gently echoes this mercy:
- “Stop your fighting, and know that I am God…” (Psalm 46:10, CSB) — Stillness isn’t about perfect quiet; it’s choosing to pause and let God be reflected in your thoughts.
- “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28-29, CSB) — You don’t have to fix your mind before coming to Him.
- “You will keep the mind that is dependent on you in perfect peace…” (Isaiah 26:3, CSB) — Peace follows dependence, not performance.
Practical Tips for ADHD-Friendly Solitude
Give Your Brain a Landing Pad
Keep a notepad handy. Write down intrusive thoughts—not as a distraction, but as a way to free your mind to be present.
Choose a “Low-Noise Zone”
Minimize visual or sensory clutter—for me, facing a blank wall worked. Your ideal spot might be different, and that’s okay.
Work with Your Brain’s Rhythm
Identify when your brain naturally focuses better—mornings, mid-afternoon, or evenings—and honor that window, even if it’s just 10 minutes.
Let Guidance Lead the Way
If stillness is elusive, use tools like ABIDE or guided Scripture meditations to help ease into quiet.
Let Movement Be the Stillness
Sometimes, gentle motion—doodling, stretching, light walking—helps quiet an active mind.
Celebrate Your Wiring
ADHD doesn’t hurt your access to God—it’s part of your unique path to Him. You’re not less; you’re different.
Keep Coming Back—Gracefully
Just because your experience doesn’t look the way you anticipated doesn’t mean you should stop. Creating space with God isn’t a one-and-done event—it’s a spiritual practice that grows with you over time. Each time you return—even when it’s messy—you train your heart in discipline and in delight.
I’ve grown to love these moments with God, imperfections and all. He’s never judged me for how my brain works—because He made it that way. What matters most isn’t how still we are, but that we keep coming back. And remember: don’t compare your silence to someone else’s. God is not grading your stillness—He’s drawing near to your heart.
If you found this helpful, you might also like:
- Chris’ Blog on Setting Aside Distractions
- Strong Enough to Be Still — Learning to quiet your thoughts and be alone with God
- Think Again — Understanding the biblical heart and thought life connection
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