Recently, someone on Facebook used the word, gobsmacked. I’d never heard the word before, became curious, and looked it up.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, gobsmacked means “utterly astonished or astounded.”
But my curiosity wasn’t satisfied yet. I had to learn the origin, too.
Sometime in the 1980s, gob (which means “mouth”) was joined with smack to indicate a clap of the hand over the mouth in astonishment. (Where have I been the last thirty years that I’m just being introduced to this word now?)
My first thought upon digesting this information was, I’d like to add the word, GODsmacked to the dictionary! Not that I’m visualizing God clapping at our heads like a hand over the mouth, but the new word could describe those moments when he utterly astonishes and astounds—moments such as these:
Example #1
Out of nowhere one morning, while beginning my prayer time, tears began to flow. It seemed as I drew near to God, he chose that day to demonstrate just how near he was. I felt his warm presence.
Charles Spurgeon said,
“Tears clear the eyes for the sight of God in his grace
and make the vision of his favor more precious.”
My spiritual eyes were cleared that morning as I was GOD-smacked by the favor of his palpable presence.
Example#2
Sometimes I wonder: Should I continue with the blog? The effort requires such a large time commitment. And it’s not as if I’m attracting thousands of followers. Maybe I should give it up.
Then I read this in Eugene Peterson’s Run with the Horses (InterVarsity, 2010):
“Never give up…get distracted,
and be diverted to something else…
There is only one thing needful…
Do it. Then do it again. And again.
Persistently.”
(p. 118)
I prayed, Lord, does this apply to my writing?
I turned the page to the next chapter and read the title, “Get a Scroll and Write.”
Talk about GODsmacked!
Example #3:
Frequently after church, Eric and Hilja (our son and daughter-in-law) and we enjoy brunch at a nearby restaurant. A couple of weeks ago the waiter commented that our group was very small that Sunday – just three adults and our granddaughter, Elena. (Steve was home sick with a virus.)
“You know, you guys come in here a lot with internationals,” he continued.
We do?
The three of us began calculating just who Eric and Hilja had brought with them the last couple of months: 1) Hilja’s mother from Finland, 2) the Chinese students they’ve hosted during their one year of study at the university, and 3) international colleagues of Hilja’s.
He was right. There had been a number of ethnicities represented at our table.
But it was his last comment that surprised me most.
“Yeah, the wait staff always talks about who you’ll bring in next!”
I was GODsmacked by the pointed reminder: people are watching. And my words and actions need to reflect the love of Jesus and demonstrate the God-enhanced life—wherever I am.
* * * * * * * * * *
Father, What a delight that you love to astonish and astound! Your surprises bless me in numerous ways, including: reaffirming your love, encouraging me to press on, and offering memorable guidance and reminders. Thank you for being a GODsmacking God!
(Photo credits: www.pinterest.com; http://www.cetnershift.com; http://www.campohio.net.)
From the Inside Out 
I totally love this idea–adding ‘Godsmacked’ to our vocabulary. For all the reasons you mentioned. Thank you for sharing this slice of your life with us, Nancy.
Thank you, Jody!
I read all of your blogs since they come in my email, and I share many on Facebook. No telling how many lives you are touching. God has gifted you with a writing talent. I am still praying that your book on worship will find a publisher. I still remember being in your Sunday School class and your pointing out the different prayers in Scripture. I liked your new word – God-smacked.
love God-smacked. sort of a Gibbs/Dinozzo type of love if you watch NCIS. I have been reposting on my blog since we will be traveling the next few weeks. In two weeks I am talking about St Gobnaight – so at first I thought your blog was about her. LOL
Well, how about that–Gobsmacked and Gobnaight! (There’s a St. Gobnaight?!) I’ll look forward to your post and learning about a new hero of our faith.
Love this new word for us and love how He’s Godsmacked you by His presence and love recently.
Thank you, Carol! I’m sure you’d agree: Gobsmacking isn’t new; just the word!
Please don’t give up your blog. Your writings are inspired and a precious gift to your readers. Love, Diane K.
Thank you very much for your encouragement, Diane. I won’t give up the blog just yet!
God-smacked love the whole idea. Will use this in teaching….this is like the moment when we know God is still working in His world by using us to in our own way to bring Him full circle into the lives of others
How delightful that you saw a teaching idea within this post. You’re right: It IS a Godsmack when we realize he has used us to minister to others. Thank you for sharing your observation!
Don’t give up!!!! Your insights are precious and inspired by the Spirit and always pointing us to the Truth of the Word. That is much needed these days! Blessings!
Thank you, Heidi, for your encouragement. I do pray for inspiration from the Spirit before and as I write!
Loved this entry in your blog, Nancy. I’ve come across that word ‘Gobsmacked’ in various novels I’ve read in a British setting. Thanks for posting its origin! And ‘GODsmacked’ should be added to the dictionary. I have been Godsmacked several times while reading your blog…and realizing its intersection with my own devotionals. I am so thankful for your persistence in continuing with this blog. I’ve often given thanks for your faithfulness, realizing that it surely must take a good deal of time and creativity. Trust me, it is well worth it to me!
Calvin Cooledge: “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan Press On! has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”
Praise God this blog is meaningful to you, Cheri. I love that Coolidge quote–a great addition to my collection. Persistence and determination are not only essential, they’re scriptural attributes. All the more reason to embrace them!