What does the Bible say about being focused?

School Troubles and ADHD

For years my son struggled in school. He had trouble copying work from one source to another, like copying directions from the board. He struggled in math but he could learn the names and characteristics of 50 dinosaurs. His reading comprehension was stellar, but he couldn’t memorize a quote to save his life. Eventually we learned that he had a constellation of learning disabilities that affected processing and fous. Despite receiving some accommodations at school, he was still struggling. When he entered high school, they recommended we get him evaluated for ADHD and they found he has the inattentive type. Once we learned that, pieces started to fall into place. He took it upon himself to learn about his diagnosis and find the best ways to learn. Once he began doing that, he found success.

He still tells me, as a freshman in college, that focus is his struggle. His body and mind WANTS to focus where it’s supposed to, but it’s like fighting through quicksand. He just CAN’T at times.

Scripture and Being Focused

As I think of him so often, I wonder how many others struggle with focus. And as Christians, I know people want to know what Scripture has to say about it. I did a search and Google says that focus is one of the most frequently searched Bible topics.

So let’s dive in and see what the Bible has to say about focus. I’ve organized these Scriptures into four areas: those to focus our relationship with Jesus, those referring to God’s plan for us, those about distractions and how to handle them, and some general encouragement.

I recommend printing these and keeping them handy or writing the ones that most speak to you on cards and place them around the house. Turn then into Bible study by reading different translations and commentary. Biblehub is a great tool for this. Dig in and really apply these verses to your life.

Do you or someone you love struggle with being focused? Do you get easily distracted? Read on to see how Scripture can help.

Relationship with Jesus

The first area of focus is our relationship with Jesus. When we put our attention there, we can never go wrong. Our mind may stray, but our first step should always be to return to Him. If it helps, copy these on notecards and put them around your room or house – keep them handy to keep your thoughts focused on Him.

Old Testament

Isaiah 26:3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

Isaiah 50:7 But the Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame.

Psalm 1:1-6 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

Psalm 119:15 I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.

Psalm 23:1-6 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul; he leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Psalm 123:2 Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he has mercy upon us.

New Testament

Philippians 3:12-14  Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Matthew 24:42 Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.

Matthew 24:44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

1 Peter 1:13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 2:5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,

Romans 8:5-6 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

Plans for the Future

God has wonderful plans for us. When we focus our thoughts on them, we try to live a life in line with His will for us. Focus your thoughts on the good that God has planned for you! Train your thoughts to Him and His will for you. 

Old Testament

Proverbs 16:3 Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might…

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Psalm 16:8-9 I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.

New Testament

Matthew 24:13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Colossians 3:2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

2 Timothy 2:4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.

Philippians 3:13-14 But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.

1 Peter 1:13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Colossians 3:1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

Distractions

My son tells me that distraction is the #1 problem he has with his type of ADHD. The Bible clearly has lots to say about being distracted! Take these verses to heart – write them down, memorize them, search them for solutions to keep your mind where it needs to be. 

Old Testament

Proverbs 4:25 Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.

Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Nehemiah 6:3 And I sent messengers to them [people trying to distract Nehemiah], saying, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?”

New Testament

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Luke 21:34-36 But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.

Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Reminders for Focus in Life

Finally, these are some general reminders to encourage you. 

Isaiah 43:16-19 Thus says the Lord, “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

1 Timothy 4:8 For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

Luke 1:37 For nothing will be impossible with God.

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I hope you found this helpful! Please share this post with someone you know who struggles with focus or ADHD.

With love,

🌸 Andrea

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