When You’re Out of Capacity, God Is Not Disappointed

“Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

THE ADHD BURNOUT REALITY

There comes a moment—especially at the end of a demanding season—when your brain simply says, I’m done.

Not lazy. Not defiant. Not ungrateful.

Just out of capacity.

For adults with ADHD, this moment often arrives after sustained cognitive effort: exams, deadlines, emotional labor, decision-fatigue (and let's be honest-social media tempts us to make judgment calls about every.single.post), or relational intensity. And when it does, shame is quick to whisper: You should be able to do more. Other people can.

But ADHD doesn’t fail because it’s weak. It falters because it’s been working harder for longer.

ADHD AND COGNITIVE LOAD DEPLETION

Research consistently shows that ADHD brains experience faster depletion of executive functioning resources, particularly under sustained stress and emotional demand.

A landmark review by Barkley (2012) explains that executive functions—such as emotional regulation, planning, and self-monitoring—are finite resources, not character traits. When they’re depleted, performance drops regardless of motivation or values.

Barkley, R. A. (2012). Executive Functions: What They Are, How They Work, and Why They Evolved. Guilford Press.

Biblical Translation: One of the medications Christ has provided for ADHD burnout is REST. If your brain is depleted, rest is not optional. It is the intervention.

PRACTICE: A 3-STEP PRAYER RESET

(5 minutes total)

1. Short Prayer

“Lord, You know my limits. Help me receive rest without guilt and trust You with what remains undone.”

2. Tiny Action

Choose one thing to put down for 24 hours—no explanation required.

3. Reflection Question

Lord, if rest is obedience, what might You be protecting me from right now? Help me to remember that You love me, You love my mind and the way You designed me. That love does not change based on my productivity. Lord, I need someone's permission to rest. Remind me that I have it from YOU!

CLIENT WIN

A college student I coach recently described her week as “a sprint followed by emptiness.” She could feel her emotional and cognitive reserves running dry—and for the first time, instead of pushing harder, she paused.

She asked a different question: “God, where do You want my energy this weekend?”

Christ's response? "No where. I want your energy no where. I want you to rest with Me so I can give you more." The answer wasn’t productivity. It was Sabbath.

She invited Christ into her ADHD experience. She listened. She rested. And her

clarity returned.

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If you’re constantly wondering “Is this burnout or spiritual failure?”—you’re not alone.

Personalized support is available:👉 Book a discovery call to build a God-centered, ADHD-friendly life rhythm.

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