Studying the Bible When You Have ADHD

When you have ADHD, you may find that daily devotions or other mainstream Bible studies just don’t seem to work for you. However, you want to know God, and you want to develop your relationship with Jesus. Yet you constantly find yourself annoyed or frustrated by the ways that the Bible is taught in a classroom or small group.

One of the strengths of ADHD is the ability to hyperfocus on an area of interest. How can you capitalize on that strength to build up your faith? Let’s look at several ways.

Invest in resources to help with ADHD.

I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens. – Ecclesiastes 1:13, NIV

One of the strengths of ADHD is the ability to dive deep into a topic that fascinates you. To do this you will need to have some resources available for you. Maybe you would like a subscription to a particular class from GreatCourses. There are subscriptions to different Bible translations online so you can compare versions. Ask for recommendations from your pastor, and maybe even access to the church library.

Some resources to add to your home library could include:

• A topical Bible.
• A concordance.
• Archeology documentaries.
• Grammar books.
• Translators notes.
• Different Bible translations.
• Commentaries.

Find an interesting topic and dive deep.

Among those who were chosen were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. – Daniel 1:6-7, 17, NIV

Use your ability to hyperfocus and get into the weeds. Perhaps learn about the details of certain styles of ancient tents. Research fishing in the New Testament or study Hebrew, Greek, or Latin. There are so many ways to study the Bible that don’t involve a Bible study. Filling your heart and mind when God’s word is going to impact your life regardless of the way you choose to engage.

You can also use this same practice for diving into theology and church history. This will take you into some of the weird and wonderful ways that the Bible has been interpreted over the centuries.

With ADHD, remember you are an amateur.

Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. – Proverbs 9:9, NIV

If you go down this route it is important to remember that you are an amateur, not an expert. You can provide valuable points to enhance a conversation but should not strive to make interpretations for other people.

Let your enthusiasm for a niche subject bring itself to Bible studies. You can show up with weird facts about dying fabric in Babylon or how chariots were cared for.

Check your findings against your pastor’s knowledge, building a relationship with open dialogue. Do not assume you have everything figured out based on the deep dive you have done in one area.

The Bible is a book steeped in history and study. Many experts study for years to help you learn the things you are researching. Whatever you learn, apply it with humility and grace.

How a Christian counselor can help.

If you are working with a counselor on ways to use your ADHD gifts, talk to them about ideas that might help you focus. Learning to lean into your gifts will help you in many areas of life.