Story-Teller
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SPIRITUAL ADHD
"God is at work within you, helping you want to obey Him, and then helping you do what He wants" (Philippians 2:13, Living Bible).
The medical profession describes children or youth with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, a developmental and behavioral disorder, as displaying some or most of the following symptoms: unable to stay focused on tasks, listen to and follow directions; distracted easily; often avoids, dislikes or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time; displays compulsive and disruptive behavior; lacks self-control.
Parents and educators are frustrated when faced with such challenges and seek methods to help these children cope with a world that often seems daunting and beyond their abilities to cope. Experts in many fields have discovered ways to bring help and comfort to these children (and their parents!) through a variety of programs.
But as I look at the long list of symptoms, I sadly reflect that many of those descriptions fit my walk with God. And I, too, can become discouraged when I find my personal world and the larger one around me complicated, unnerving and even frightening. Fortunately, God has a diagnosis and a solution for my disorder.
He asks that I first acknowledge my wandering mind, lack of focus, need for self-control, and then take appropriate steps for healing. I may need to ask others for advice on how to be quiet before God for extended periods of time. Perhaps I need to become part of a small group that emphasizes the kind of Bible reading, prayer and meditation that helps one focus. Learning to be spiritually disciplined takes time as well as action on my part, but God gives His Holy Spirit to provide all that I need to become all that He desires for me to be.
~ Lord, I acknowledge that I am too weak to tackle my situation all on my own. I desperately need Your help, but show me just the right people to also be part of my "treatment plan." Thank You for Your abiding love in spite of all my weakness.
By Marilyn Ehle
Submitted by Richard
"God is at work within you, helping you want to obey Him, and then helping you do what He wants" (Philippians 2:13, Living Bible).
The medical profession describes children or youth with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, a developmental and behavioral disorder, as displaying some or most of the following symptoms: unable to stay focused on tasks, listen to and follow directions; distracted easily; often avoids, dislikes or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time; displays compulsive and disruptive behavior; lacks self-control.
Parents and educators are frustrated when faced with such challenges and seek methods to help these children cope with a world that often seems daunting and beyond their abilities to cope. Experts in many fields have discovered ways to bring help and comfort to these children (and their parents!) through a variety of programs.
But as I look at the long list of symptoms, I sadly reflect that many of those descriptions fit my walk with God. And I, too, can become discouraged when I find my personal world and the larger one around me complicated, unnerving and even frightening. Fortunately, God has a diagnosis and a solution for my disorder.
He asks that I first acknowledge my wandering mind, lack of focus, need for self-control, and then take appropriate steps for healing. I may need to ask others for advice on how to be quiet before God for extended periods of time. Perhaps I need to become part of a small group that emphasizes the kind of Bible reading, prayer and meditation that helps one focus. Learning to be spiritually disciplined takes time as well as action on my part, but God gives His Holy Spirit to provide all that I need to become all that He desires for me to be.
~ Lord, I acknowledge that I am too weak to tackle my situation all on my own. I desperately need Your help, but show me just the right people to also be part of my "treatment plan." Thank You for Your abiding love in spite of all my weakness.
By Marilyn Ehle
Submitted by Richard
