Gobsmacked
The first time I saw the ocean, I was gobsmacked. My jaw dropped. My eyes popped. All my senses went on overload. Never had I experienced such awe.
The beauty and majesty of God’s creation left me breathless. I did not want to move. I felt like I could stay there forever.
Similar reactions occurred at Yellowstone and other parts of our world.
Gobsmacked means “overwhelmed with wonder, surprise, or shock.”
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, it is primarily a slang British expression.
Gob can mean mouth. According to the Macmillan Dictionary blog, gobsmacked is “the kind of shock you would feel if you were suddenly hit in the face…. Clapping a hand to your mouth … is a less violent interpretation.” The shock leaves you speechless.
Causes for gobsmacked reactions may be good or bad.
Not every surprise or shock feels pleasant. That’s life with all its ups and downs.
Under God’s leadership, we survive and thrive whatever the experience.
Whether gobsmacked from good or bad, God offers joy, hope, and purpose.
I pray you enjoy a glorious gobsmacked day.
The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy (Psalm 65:8 NIV).
Thanks to Pat Childress Conner Stapp for the suggestion.
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14 thoughts on “Gobsmacked”
Have not used that word much in my life but have experienced that overwhelming emotion many times. The first time seeing who would become my wife, the birth of children (of all kinds), the first time noticing both sunrises and sunsets, the heat and horror of battle, and many others. Through all of these, God’s steady hand was present.
This was a new word to me, J.D. However, I saw it in writing twice after Pat suggested it. Like you, it certainly describes many of my life experiences.
I felt the same way the first time I saw the ocean and every time since then. It never ceases to gobsmack me. God’s creation is filled with gobsmacking glory.
You have described my reactions perfectly, Candyce. Clouds, sunrises and sunsets, and a host of other everyday events overwhelm my senses with God’s glory.
I never would have thought of this one, Diana. How many expressions have you done now?
This one was new to me, Tracy. I love it when readers suggest expressions I’ve never heard. I’ve posted once a week since April 8, 2013, and never imagined when I began that so many expressions existed!
What a great, descriptive word, Diana! I’ve been gobsmacked innumerable times when seeing God’s wondrous creation.
Blessings!
Isn’t it a great word, Martha? Although I don’t remember hearing it until Pat suggested it, I definitely plan to use it now. Blessings.
I’m thankful that there are still things that “gobsmack” me. God’s creations continue to provide wonder and awe. His majesty in creation is truly evident. Blessings! 🙂
You have a wonderful eye for nature’s detail and beauty, Melissa. Thank you for sharing your gobsmacked insights through your writing. Blessings.
Love this word. And your post, Diana!
Thanks, Gail. I had fun writing on this new-to-me word. Blessings.
I was gobsmacked at my first sight of the ocean as a pre-teen. I was REALLY gobsmacked at my first sight of the Grand Canyon as an adult. I think gobsmacking is a routine thing when we view God’s amazing creation. Thank you, Diana, for sharing,
You’re right, Katherine. If we keep our eyes open to God’s amazing creation, gobsmacked becomes a regular occurrence. Friends who recently visited Yosemite were gobsmacked at its beauty following the record snow melt and increased flow of the waterfalls.