Beside Myself
The first time I went on an international mission trip, I was beside myself with joy. The opportunity before me almost took my breath away.
Beside myself refers to extreme emotion.
In addition to awe or joy, I may feel intense:
- Shock
- Anger
- Excitement
- Sadness
- Worry
- Panic
Recent news about some of the areas I served leaves me beside myself with grief. I ache for the difficulties my friends now face.
When I am beside myself, I feel out of control.
Strong emotions overwhelm me. I must work to regain a sense of balance—to get a grip.
This phrase appears in the Bible.
The Apostle Paul had shared the story of his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. He had also discussed his life since that time. Festus, the Roman governor, responded in a loud voice, “Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad” (Acts 26:24 KJV). Paul explained that he was not crazy but was sharing God’s truth.
If anyone says I am beside myself, I can think of no better reason than God’s call to share eternal truth and love.
“They were all amazed at the greatness of God” (Luke 9:43 NIV).
What about you? What makes you beside yourself?
Thanks to Stan Crump for the suggestion.
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12 thoughts on “Beside Myself”
What makes me “beside myself”, which I characterize as being outside of “the normal me”? More than anything else, I become “unglued” (aka beside myself) when the reality of today’s world collides with “my world”, which is best characterized by my value system and how I was raised to be. When this world meets “my world” (the world I want in my heart and mind to live in), I become beside myself. The chasm of difference between what the world is and what I think it should be causes anger, anxiety, sorrow, and stress. That forces me to be beside myself.
Conditions in the world today leave many of us beside ourselves, J.D. My heart hurts from all the unrest caused by man-made divisions and difficulties. I pray eyes will open and hearts will change.
I grew up hearing this phrase and yes, I’ve said those words. 🙂 I’m thankful to know that when those feelings of being “beside myself” come into my thoughts, I can rest in the presence of God. Have a blessed day! 🙂
Melissa, in spite of all our unrest, I, too, give thanks for the rest possible from God’s peace and presence. Blessings.
I remember reading that in the Bible now. Stan will be thrilled to know the origin of “beside myself.” Thanks, Diana!
Tracy, I had forgotten that too until I began working on the expression. I thought Stan would be pleased to learn the origin. Please thank him again for the suggestion.
There have been plenty of times that I have felt beside myself; it usually comes when I feel emotionally overwhelmed by something unexpected that I have to face.
Loved this explanation, Diana.
Blessings!
Martha, most of us can probably relate to your overwhelmed emotions. I’m so thankful we have a never-failing source of peace and comfort. Thank you for your kind words. Blessings.
I never realized the expression was in the Bible! There have been plenty of times I have felt beside myself. It is at those times, I pray that I may be found in Him for He alone brings peace and settles my heart and mind.
Joanne, several were surprised this expression is in the Bible. It’s funny how we can read over certain words and never really notice them. You are so right that only God alone brings peace and settles our hearts and minds. I pray you have a peaceful day.
It feels so much better to be “beside myself” with joy instead of pain or sorrow. But it works both ways doesn’t it? I always enjoy your messages that delve into sayings of our confusing English language. Thank you, Diana.
You are so right about the joy, pain, and sorrow, Katherine. All are part of life. Thank you for your kind words. Blessings on your writing.