Finding God’s peace in the midst of racing thoughts and restless minds
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When My Mind Feels Like a Runaway Train
Last Sunday morning, I sat in the third pew from the back of the sanctuary trying desperately to focus on the pastor’s message about peace. But my brain had other plans. In the span of thirty seconds, my thoughts jumped from wondering if I turned off the lights, to remembering I needed to call my mom, to mentally planning my grocery list, to feeling guilty about not reading my Bible yesterday.
Sound familiar?
If you’re a Christian woman with ADHD, you know this struggle intimately. Your mind moves at lightning speed, your thoughts bounce like a pinball machine, and sometimes it feels impossible to find that “peace that passes understanding” the Bible talks about.
Here’s what I want you to know: You are not alone.
Today, I’m sharing the faith-based strategies and Bible verses that have helped me find genuine peace when my ADHD mind won’t slow down. These aren’t complicated systems or rigid rules – they’re gentle, grace-filled practices that work with your beautiful, busy brain.
Why Your ADHD Brain and Faith Actually Go Together
Let’s start with the basics. ADHD isn’t just “being easily distracted” (though that’s part of it). It’s having a brain that processes information differently. Your thoughts move quickly, you notice details others miss, and you feel things deeply.
Here’s how this shows up in everyday life:
- Your mind jumps between topics lightning-fast
- You might hyperfocus on something for hours, then struggle to concentrate for five minutes
- Quiet moments can feel overwhelming because that’s when all the thoughts flood in
- You’re incredibly creative and see connections others don’t
Now here’s the beautiful truth: God designed your mind this way. And faith can become your anchor when everything feels chaotic.
While the world tells you to “just focus” or “calm down,” God offers something different. He offers His peace that doesn’t depend on having a perfectly quiet mind. He offers rest that comes not from mental stillness, but from trusting Him with every racing thought.
The Real Struggle: When Faith Feels Hard with ADHD
Let me be honest about the challenges you might be facing:
During prayer: Your mind wanders mid-sentence. You start praying about one thing and end up thinking about grocery lists. Then you feel guilty and start over, only to get distracted again.
Reading the Bible: You read the same verse three times because your brain was elsewhere. Or you hyperfocus and read for two hours straight, then feel guilty when you can’t maintain that intensity daily.
At church: The sermon feels long. Your thoughts wander. You’re taking notes but also thinking about weekend plans. You love worship but struggle to stay present.
The guilt: You compare yourself to that friend who has a perfect quiet time every morning. You wonder if God is disappointed in your scattered prayers and restless heart.
Sister, I see you. I’ve been there. And I want you to know that God sees your heart, not your wandering thoughts. Your struggle to focus doesn’t make you less faithful – it makes you human.
Four Faith-Based Strategies That Actually Work
1. Scripture Meditation (But Make It ADHD-Friendly)
Forget trying to read entire chapters when your mind is racing. Instead, pick one verse and let it be your companion for the day.
Here’s how I do it:
- Choose a short, powerful verse
- Write it on a sticky note or save it as your phone wallpaper
- Throughout the day, when anxiety hits or thoughts spiral, return to that one verse
- Don’t pressure yourself to “meditate perfectly” – just let the words wash over you
Try these verses:
- “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
- “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)
2. Prayer Journaling: Channel That ADHD Energy
Your brain loves to move and process – so let it! Prayer journaling gives your thoughts somewhere to go instead of bouncing around in your head.
My simple approach:
- Keep a notebook or use your phone’s notes app
- Write your prayers as if you’re texting a friend
- Don’t worry about grammar, length, or being “spiritual” enough
- Include your random thoughts, worries, gratitudes, and requests
This isn’t about creating beautiful prose. It’s about giving your busy mind a way to connect with God authentically.
3. Worship Through Movement
Who says prayer has to be sitting still? Your ADHD brain often thinks better when your body is moving.
Ideas to try:
- Take prayer walks
- Stretch or do gentle yoga while listening to worship music
- Dance in your living room while praising God
- Pray while doing mindless tasks like folding laundry
God loves it when you worship Him with your whole self – including your need for movement.
4. Create an “Anchor Verses” Collection
Keep a list of Bible verses for overthinking readily available. Save them in your phone, write them on index cards, or keep them in your planner.
When your thoughts spiral, you don’t have to remember the perfect verse – you just need to grab your list and let God’s words redirect your mind.
My Go-To Bible Verses for Racing Thoughts
When anxiety overwhelms: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
When you’re mentally and emotionally exhausted: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
When thoughts won’t stop spiraling: “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5)
When you need to remember God is in control: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10)
Grace for Your Beautiful, Busy Mind
Here’s what I wish someone had told me years ago: God’s love for you has nothing to do with how well you focus during prayer.
You are not less faithful because your mind wanders. You are not disappointing God when you struggle to sit still. You are not a “bad Christian” because quiet time feels hard.
God sees your heart’s desire to know Him, even when your thoughts scatter like leaves in the wind. He delights in your unique way of processing the world. Your ADHD mind – with all its creativity, passion, and energy – is part of how He made you.
Remember:
- Productivity doesn’t equal worthiness in God’s eyes
- Your value comes from being His beloved daughter, not from perfect spiritual disciplines
- Small, imperfect steps toward God matter more than grand gestures you can’t maintain
Celebrate the small wins. Maybe today you remembered one Bible verse. Maybe you prayed for thirty seconds while brushing your teeth. Maybe you felt God’s presence during a worship song. These moments matter deeply to your Heavenly Father.
You’re Not Walking This Path Alone
Sweet friend, if you’ve made it this far, I want you to know something: you are braver and stronger than you realize. Living with ADHD in a world that values stillness and focus takes courage. Pursuing faith with a racing mind takes determination.
You are not too much. You are not broken. You are fearfully and wonderfully made, ADHD and all.
This week, I challenge you to try just one strategy from this post. Pick the one that feels most doable right now. Maybe it’s writing one verse on a sticky note, taking a prayer walk, or simply giving yourself grace when your mind wanders during church.
Remember, God meets you where you are – scattered thoughts, restless energy, and all.
Til next time, Riah Brea
Looking for more practical faith strategies? Check out my related post: “5 Simple Prayer Practices for Busy Moms with ADHD” for even more ADHD-friendly spiritual practices.
Feeling overwhelmed and need immediate help? Download my free “ADHD Overwhelm Rescue Checklist” – practical steps to find calm when your mind is spinning.
What resonated most with you from this post? I’d love to hear your story in the comments below. Your experience might be exactly what another sister needs to hear today.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, therapist, or counselor – just a woman with ADHD sharing what has helped me on my own faith journey. Please consult with qualified professionals for medical or mental health advice.